1966 Château Trotanoy
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Tasting notes
The 1966 Trotanoy is utterly sublime. This is less “aloof” than past bottles, unfolding politely with classic aromas of black fruit, old leather and black truffle. It is not powerful like the 1961 or 1970, understated by comparison, yet you have to admire its delineation and classicism, almost statesmanlike. The palate is cut from a similar cloth. Refined, unpretentious, charming and effortless, it expresses the conservatism of the 1966 vintage, but after almost 60 years there is still plenty of vigour in the tank. It gains complexity and fans out gently towards the finish. The 1966 Trotanoy epitomises everything great about mature Pomerol. Wonderful.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Vivid ruby, just a storming mature Right Bank wine, fragrant, well-balanced, autumnal berry fruits with a touch of rust and smoked earth as it opens. This is a wine that has delivered consistently over several tastings over the years, and it is one to search out. Jean-Pierre Moueix owner since 1953, and this was the 2nd vintage under Jean-Claude Berrouet, who had joined in 1964.
Rose red in colour, with cherry pit and smoked earth on the nose, softened tannins that run underneath the liqourice and crushed mint on the palate. Gorgeous, gentle, faded but still with charm and grip. A wine that you have to go looking for, but still displaying the caress of Pomerol, and a whisper of brambled fruits. Tasted in Hong Kong. I also had a 2001 Trotanoy later in the year that was storming, still very much in its prime, but this older vintage was such a beautiful moment of respite in the year, a reminder that you can lose yourself in what a wine has been, and simply enjoy the pleasure of that memory.
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.