Château Trotte Vieille 2014

Alluring smoldering tobacco and light chalky threads weave from start to finish in this refined red, with supple cherry, plum and blackberry coulis flavors streaming along. The long, suave finish lets everything hang harmoniously. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,000 cases made.

Medium-bodied, with red and dark fruits, flowers, and earthy notes on the nose. The wine is soft, forward, and delicate, making it a candidate for early drinking.

Closed, with balsamic tones. With aeration, there are more and more black pepper notes. Also some mint. Finally, milk chocolate and greengage jump from the glass. Soft, plump and slightly viscous palate, mellow yet tightly clenched tannins—rather defensive compared to the soft background. Restrained acidity, but lots of tactile minerality. Soft and opulent within the vintage type and definitely with hints of good ageing potential.

The 2014 Trotte Vieille is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. Perfumed notes of dried roses and powdered cinnamon lead to a core of dried cranberries and kirsch with a waft of leather. The medium-bodied palate is lightly chewy with a lively backbone and mature red berry and floral flavors, finishing minerally. Tasted blind with the Southwold Group in London in February 2024.

The second wine of Trottevieille has gained significant volume with the integration of Bergat into the estate. Composed in roughly equal parts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine is supple, fresh and distinguished, and does not lack depth.

A wine of elegance and length, with great delicacy, medium-bodied, very representative of the Saint-Emilion plateau. A light, airy wine in the best sense of the word. It will evolve gracefully in bottle. 58% cabernet franc, 40% merlot, 2% cabernet sauvignon. 25 hl/ha.

Marked by the strong presence of Cabernet Franc, which accounts for 59% of the blend, the 2014 vintage gave Trotte Vieille the opportunity to assert even more clearly its style firmly focused on finesse. The wine does not have the fleshy mid-palate texture or the exuberant fruitiness of some of its neighbors, but surpasses them all in harmony and delicacy of flavor.

The tannins are of rare quality, the aromatic impression is first-rate, the length and freshness are stunning, and a smoldering fire ties it all together: a primordial wine that must be forgotten for at least ten years.

The 2014 Trottevieille has a fragrant bouquet, initially quite understated, building with brambly red berry fruit, undergrowth, and faint cedar-like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, and a gentle, caressing finish that is silky smooth. This is a very refined Trottevieille, far less rustic than in the past, with the persistence on the finish suggesting it should age in consummate style. A classy offering from the Castèja family.

Classic in style. Dark fruit and chalky-mineral notes. Fresh, long and persistent. Powerful but rounded tannins, though not quite velvety. Firm finish. A little austere but has ageing potential.