At the summit of the Pomerol appellation, the Château Trotanoy 2016 delivers a masterful interpretation of Bordeaux Merlot, combining sensual depth and mineral precision. A vintage of brightness and tension, 2016 offers here a rare expression, patiently matured, both fleshy and harmonious. The clay‑gravel soils give the wine its vibrant density, a hint of graphite and an aristocratic structure that extends long. For the enthusiast seeking pure emotion as well as the collector who favours cellaring, this cuvée stands out for its balanced power, noble‑grained tannins and mineral length. You will find black cherry edged with chocolate, black raspberry, juicy blackberry, truffle and star anise, carried by a freshness that sculpts the wine and gives it admirable stature. Highly rated by the international press, this 2016 edition already combines intense pleasure with promise for the future.

Blend and winemaking

Made predominantly from Merlot at 95% complemented by Cabernet Franc at 5%, Château Trotanoy 2016 draws its balance from clay‑gravel soils that provide both body and finesse. The ageing, carried out with artisanal precision, lasts 16 to 18 months in barrels with about 50% new oak, refining the texture without ever weighing down the fruit. The 35 to 40 year‑old vines deliver a concentrated, chiselled must, whose measured integration of oak serves the aromatic depth and palate structure. Every gesture aims for precision: measured extraction, patiently conducted ageing, constant pursuit of balance between power and energy. This art of control produces an eminently tactile wine, both ample, upright and sustained by carefully maintained freshness.

Tasting notes

• Colour: Dense and luminous, marked by tight legs that announce concentration and elegance.
• Nose: Complex and noble, it marries black cherry wrapped in chocolate, black raspberry and blackberry, lifted by truffle, star anise, graphite and a vibrant minerality.
• Palate: Broad, direct attack, muscular fruit, firm finely grained tannins, invigorating freshness and a long, savoury finish underlined by a precise mineral thread.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Pomerol between 16 and 18°C in large Bordeaux glasses to showcase its bouquet and the finesse of its texture. Decanting, 1 to 2 hours before service for a youthful vintage, allows the truffle and graphite aromas to open up and the tannins to integrate magnificently. Store bottles on their side, away from light, at a constant temperature. The cellaring potential is remarkable, with a peak expected between 2028 and 2055+, according to your taste for tertiary nuances. You can thus follow the evolution of this great wine, from the fruit's pulp to the complexity of mature noble aromas.

Food pairings

• Beef: dry‑aged rib steak, beef fillet Rossini‑style, braised chuck with root vegetables.
• Game: hare à la royale, roasted venison, pheasant larded with truffle.
• Poultry & mushrooms: roasted pigeon, supreme of free‑range poultry with reduced jus, sautéed porcini and chanterelles.
• Truffle and stews: veal cannelloni with black truffle, beef stew with mild spices, creamy polenta.
• Aged cheeses: 36‑month Comté, aged mimolette, mountain tomme.

Occasions

Château Trotanoy 2016 is the ideal companion:

• For a fine‑dining dinner where service and dishes elevate every detail.
• At a vertical tasting among enthusiasts to gauge the terroir's imprint and the nobility of the 2016 vintage.
• As an exceptional gift for a connoisseur who appreciates great age‑worthy Pomerols.

Characteristics

• Name: Château Trotanoy 2016, Pomerol AOC
• Appellation: Pomerol AOC
• Type: Red wine
• Vintage: 2016
• Grape varieties: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc 5%
• Alcohol content: 14.5%
• Aging: 16 to 18 months in barrels, about 50% new
• Soil: clay‑gravel
• Vine age: 35 to 40 years
• Cellaring: 2028 to 2055 and beyond
• Critic scores: 99-100 Robert Parker, 96-98 Neal Martin
• Suggested pairings: beef and game