2021 Château Trotte Vieille, St Emilion, Bordeaux

The first vintage made in the estate's new winery, the 2021 Trotte Vieille has turned out beautifully, offering up aromas of sweet berries and cherries mingled with burning embers, rose petals and raw cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and polished, it's impressively deep and serious. It's a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)

The 2021 Trotte Vieille is the first vintage vinified in the new facility, using 25 vats for 11.5 hectares that Frederic Castèja told me allowed them more flexibility to pick exactly when they wanted. Matured entirely in new oak plus a couple of amphorae, it has a very detailed bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and a hint of licorice and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, certainly more detailed than previous vintages, and quite saline in the mouth, with a persistent finish. Classic in style, it has the tension to repay long-term cellaring. It may well end up at the top of my banded score.Drink 2030 - 2060Neal Martin, Vinous.com.com, (May 2022)

This is very tangy and bright with real cabernet franc character, showing currant, orange and fresh-herb notes. Medium body with wonderful energy and acidity. Fine tannins. Racy and juicy. 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (May 2022)

This austere vintage suits the style of Trottevieille, but risks being over-strict, and needs time to put flesh on the bones over ageing. Plenty of floral aromatics right off the bat, following by a mouthwatering combination of pumice-stone salinity, cassis and blackberry fruits, fennel and white pepper spice. Will take its time, but reward patience. 32hl/h yield, 100% new oak. First year in new winery, with double the number of vats (12 up to 25). Axel Marchal consultant.Drink 2017 - 2042jane_anson_mw, janeanson_com (May 2022)