Chateau Trotte Vielle, Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B 2018

54% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Château Trotte Vieille (sometimes encountered as TrotteVieille or Trottevieille) is a wine estate in Saint-Émilion, just one kilometer (0.6 miles) east of the town itself, on the famed Saint-Emilion plateau, neighboring the likes of châteaux La Couspaude, Troplong-Mondot and Balestard La Tonelle. The Merlot-dominant estate dates back to 1453 and has belonged to the Borie-Manoux négociant business since 1949.

In 1955 it was rated as Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the official classification of Saint-Émilion wines, a status it has retained through every subsequent reiteration of the famed classification.

The origins of the château’s name lie in the 14th Century. Legend has it that a little old lady would walk, or trot, down to the crossing where passing stagecoaches from Bordeaux would make a stop. She would hassle travellers for any news from the city, and the people of Saint-Émilion nicknamed her “la trotte vieille”, or “the old trot”.

Outer quote mark The 2018 TrotteVieille is a super-intriguing wine. Aromatically deep and layered, the 2018 offers tremendous depth and textural finesse. Mocha, grilled herbs, black cherry, new leather and spice all wrap around the palate in a dense, racy Saint-Émilion. It’s full-bodied with firm, seamlessly integrated tannins. Wonderfully flavorful with lingering chocolate notes on a long finish.

James Suckling 98
Decanter 96
Wine Enthusiast 96
Vinous 96