1988 Trotanoy
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Tasting notes
Moving on to the reds, the 1988 Trotanoy from magnum tasted better than bottles I have enjoyed in the past. There is a tertiary aspect to the nose, autumn leaves and woodland scents permeating the vestiges of black fruit, maybe a little rustic in style compared to other vintages. The palate is nicely balanced and retains freshness after more than 30 years, though the tannins are a tad coarse and the finish feels slightly austere, not unlike many of this wine’s Pomerol brethren. Given the larger format, bottles should be consumed sooner rather than later.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
An unexciting, somewhat indifferent style of wine, the medium garnet color offers up a nose of mushrooms, earth, licorice, and some ripe cherry fruit. In the mouth there is not much concentration and some dry astringent tannins in the finish. It is not going to get any better, but it is certainly capable of lasting for up to a decade. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 2/02.
Aromas of coffee bean, dried flowers and blackberry follow through to a full body, with very sweet and ripe fruit. Long and flavorful, with dark chocolate, tobacco and plum. Complex and fascinating. Will improve for many years.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. – James Suckling , Wine Spectator 2009
The very good 1988 possesses an attractive plum and vanillin nose. On the palate, the wine exhibits fine concentration, firm, relatively hard tannins, and a spicy, long finish. While it is tasty, I would have preferred a more exciting style. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2008. Feb 1993, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Château Trotanoy was one of the first recognised Premier Cru sites on the Pomerol plateau, with records dating back to the late 1700s. Even back in the nineteenth century it was seen as the best site in Pomerol second only to Vieux Château Certan.