2005 Chateau Trotanoy, Pomerol, Case of 6 btls

Robert Parker once called Trotanoy “one of the great vineyards of Pomerol.” Under the same Moueix stewardship as Petrus, it is built around Merlot grown in dense clay, gravel and iron-rich soils. A terroir that gives the wine both its famous richness and serious backbone.

The 2005 arrived during what Decanter has called the start of a new era at the property, when the Moueix team introduced smaller cellar tanks and small-basket harvesting for more precision between vineyard and winery.

Critics have singled this vintage out as a turning point, dense and concentrated with sweet black cherry, cassis and earth, and a mineral-driven power that reviewers describe as tasting like the very essence of Pomerol Merlot.

Now after 20 years of age it sits right at the crossover between primary, youthful fruit and real secondary complexity that glides across a silky palate. Drinking beautifully today with some air and still carrying decades of life ahead.

Jane Anson | 99 Points

"A wine that famously takes its time to come around, and the colour remains robust ruby at 17 years old, with pale sunrise red around the edges. Still plenty of ripe and young berry fruit on the nose, followed by melted tannins and gently-smoked caramel - showcasing the generosity of Pomerol in a way that Trotanoy sometimes hides when young. Cigar box, Christmas spice, liqourice, edges of bitter black chocolate, tapenade, mocha and menthol, still building in power over the palate, on the precipe of tertiary truffle and rose petal flavours. Just so engaging. Last tasted a few years ago, and it has noticeably stepped into its tasting window. A wine that makes you smile, and immediately reach for another glass - and a friend to share it with. Owned by the Moueix family, and a moment at the property when they had introduced smaller tanks in the cellar, and more precision in harvesting with small baskets. 50% new oak."

Wine Advocate | 98+ Points

"This blockbuster 2005 is dense ruby/purple, with sweet black cherries, cassis, earth and white chocolate in both aromas and flavors. A strong, mineral-dominated, powerful wine (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc), it is extremely backward, super-concentrated, and tasting more like blood of Merlot than any other Pomerol. Dense purple, super-rich, and stunning. An absolutely spectacular effort from this great terroir, it can be drunk now, but patience will be rewarded."