2021 Château Trotte Vieille

The 2021 Trotte Vieille, which is still the first vintage vinified in their new facility (see my primeur note for details) has a refined, classic Right Bank bouquet with lifted dark berry fruit, crushed stone and less of the licorice element noted out of barrel, perhaps with more floral scents. The palate is fresh on the entry with sapid red fruit, very pure in style—almost pastille-like. But there's real depth in this Saint-Émilion, and as I remarked before, more detail, particularly on the finish. This is just a really delicious wine, one that notably gains charm in the glass, though I suspect it will benefit from cellar age.

The 2021 Trotte Vieille is an attractive wine, but there is no getting past its light mid-palate and overall medium-bodied structure. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, tobacco, herbs and licorice open gracefully, followed by floral and citrus notes that add lovely freshness. All the elements are very nicely balanced. All this is missing is depth.

54% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Mid ruby. Blueberries and light soy on the nose. Very silky on entry, with a fine purity of blue and red fruits and gentle but persistent tannins. Vibrant acids cut through on the finish, tempering the sweeter spices and fruit. (TP)