1961 Château Trotanoy

The first bottle of 1961 Trotanoy that came from the Bill Koch cellar was out of condition, though fortunately one of our dinner party guests had the consideration to turn up with a half-bottle. This was ostentatious and a little spirituous, though perfectly drinkable. Then, in April 2024, a magnum of impeccable provenance was opened by a friend over from the USA and finally testifies to a monumental Pomerol that, when firing on all cylinders, is perfection. Quite deep in color, this is bridled with a kaleidoscopic bouquet: black fruit, violet, black truffles, some of the glycerol perhaps borrowed from the 1961 Latour à Pomerol. It shows astounding delineation and focus. The palate is a behemoth, sporting incredible concentration, svelte tannins, a slightly viscous texture and a fathomless finish surfeit with black fruit laced with blood orange, kirsch and hints of allspice. Tasted at Oswald's in London.