Chateau Trotanoy, Pomerol 2012

A magnificent wine and one of the clear stars of the vintage, the 2012 Trotanoy is wonderfully complete. Today, the 2012 is showing just the barest hint of its potential, but it is impressive, even at this embryonic stage. Ample and broad on the palate, the 2012 possesses remarkable depth to match its explosive energy and vertical structure. Dark stone fruits, spices, new leather and dried flowers unfurl gradually in the glass. The 2012 is a wine to buy and treasure for the next few decades. It will be some time before the tannins start to soften, so readers will have to be patient. This is a truly spectacular wine in every way.

The 2012 Trotanoy offers blackberry, liquorice and truffle oil on the nose, moderate intensity, and it gains complexity with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, gentle grip, plenty of white pepper mixed with clove, though I am seeking just a bit more depth on the finish. Fine, and coming back after 10 minutes, it seems to grow in stature. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.

Purple ruby. Intense scents of ripe blackberry, blueberry, violet, and aromatic herbs on the knockout nose. Large-scaled, fat and dense, with harmonious acids providing lift and clarity to the red and black fruit flavors. Finishes very long and smooth, with a repeating peppery herb nuance and insidious sweetness.