Trotanoy 2017 (750ML)

96-98 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A final blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Trotanoy opens with expressive red and black fruit notes including redcurrant jelly, kirsch, Black Forest cake and cassis plus hints of roses, dried Provence herbs, tobacco and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied with generous, expressive fruits supported by plush tannins and just enough freshness, it finishes long. This is quite an opulent, decadent Trotanoy!" 4/18

93-95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2017 Trotanoy is one of the standouts within J-P Moueix's range this year but hey, what's new? The bouquet is just quintessential Trotanoy, exquisitely defined with wonderful mineralité, very poised with subtle scents of pencil lead and flint interwoven into the black and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, a killer line of acidity and an arching structure that does not put a hair out of place. This is a magnificent Trotanoy and although yes, La Fleur Pétrus shows a little more flair and flamboyance at this primordial stage, I feel that Trotanoy is the one that will attract the plaudits with bottle age. Perhaps the dark horse of the appellation? Edouard Moueix opined it was a bit "obvious". Well, obviously good in my humble opinion!" 5/18

95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2017 Trotanoy is a dark, brooding wine, as it so often is. The tannins are forbidding at this stage, but then again, that is Trotanoy. Smoke, incense, game and a whole range of mineral inflections run through the 2017. Energetic and impeccable in its balance, Trotanoy is compelling in 2017, but readers need to cellar it for a few years at least, after which it will drink well for a number of decades." 03/20

99 Points, James Suckling: "A very pure nose that exudes poise and precision, in every aspect of this wine’s composition. Aromas of violets, blueberries, cedar, fresh truffle, wet earth and plums lead to a palate that offers a very full, plush and intense core of pristinely ripened red-plum fruit and mouthwatering freshness, as well as tannins that imbue the long, balanced finish with great clarity. Incredible triumph for the vintage. Try from 2023." 12/19

94-96 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: "A seriously structured wine, this has firm tannins, dark rich fruit and great concentration. The black plum flavor is a counterpoint to the dry tannins and ample acidity. It obviously has excellent aging potential; drink from 2024." 4/18

96 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "This has lashings of liquorice and black chocolate standing head and shoulders above many in the vintage, full of grace and build and body. A welcome respite in a difficult year because here you don't feel the need to say 'a great wine given the circumstances...'. It's not as powerful or ripped as the 2016 or 2018 for certain, but it can stand its ground and would be better than many vintages of lesser wines. Austere, still with plenty of bite to the tannins, but excellent." 2/20

91-93+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "Black cherries, cassis, spice, dried earth and plenty of tobacco leaf show in the muscular, structured 2017 Château Trotanoy, which is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. More on the medium-bodied side of the equation with firm tannin, it has good density and length but needs more fat and opulence. I suspect it will round into form over the course of its élevage, but short-term cellaring is going to be the name of the game here." 4/18