2020 Chateau Trotte Vieille Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl

Jane Anson 96

Always one of the latest to harvest, as this is located directly on the limestone plateau, with 12ha of vines. Intense and focused, showing sculpted blueberry and black cherry fruit, grilled cocoa bean and tar, the tannins close in pretty tightly through the palate, and it needs plenty of time in the glass to reveal the gunsmoke and violet edges. Great ageing potential here, this is living up to En Primeur potential.

Drinking window: 2027-2042

Review date: 15/02/2023

Neal Martin (92-94)

The 2020 TrotteVieille is quite broody and backward on the nose at first, demanding 15–20 minutes to open. It then reveals blackberry, sea spray/marine scents and hints of crushed chalk and pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a firm structure, indicating that this is a Saint-Émilion that should be cellared for several years. There is a lovely touch of white pepper and allspice toward the finish. I suspect this is a TrotteVieille that will reward the patient.

Drinking window: 2028-2055

Review date: 01/05/2021