Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Trotanoy is clearly blossoming in bottle. Over almost 20 years of tasting out of barrel, I cannot recall a Trotanoy that has so surpassed its showing at en primeur. It has a well-defined bouquet that initially seems straightforward. Don't be fooled...it opens in the glass and reveals subtle red berry fruit, truffle and ferrous aromas. There is stunning definition and poise here. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin. There is a core of wonderful Cabernet Franc here, the acidity extremely well judged with a precise, sustained finish. This is a sophisticated Pomerol with élan and no more, no less than a fabulous Trotanoy. Tasted January 2016.

The blockbuster 2012 Trotanoy has more in common with the 2009 or 2010 than most 2012s do. It stands as an example of just how successful Pomerol was in 2012. A dense black/purple color is followed by a bouquet of minerals/crushed rocks, powerful, intense black currant, licorice, roasted meat, barbecue and truffle notes. Full-bodied and super-concentrated, it is an amazing tour de force in this irregular as well as challenging vintage. Trotanoy’s 2012 should be on every connoisseur’s buying list. It will require 5-8 years of cellaring when released, and should keep for 25-30 years, one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage.