Ch Trotanoy Vertical Tasting

Always touted as a contender to Petrus’ throne, and together with LaFleur forms the holy trinity of Pomerol. This vertical tasting of Ch Trotanoy explores vintages 89, 95, 96, 97, 99, 02, 05 & 06. Famously expensive, let’s see if this aristocrat lives up it its hype and price.

1995 - Brick orange, aged colour.Fantastic nose of sweet fruits and violets, very alluring. Elegant attack, not abrupt, and transition smoothly to a complex mid-body. Tinge of alcohol and bitterness. But finishes well >10 secs. WOTN (9.1/10)

1997 - Weak vintage and it shows. Translucent ruby. Blackcurrent nose w a touch of herbecousness, not fully open. Bitter attack, thin, not much body. Bitter, bitter, bitter! Tannins are tough even at 14 years. Where's the finish? (7.8/10)

2002 - Dark garnet hue, young. Q a diluted nose w only slight hints of fruits but lots of alcohol. Weak attack, but developes mid-palate in the mouth with some roundedness. Bitterness in finish, but long (8.3/10)

1999 - Q young looking, only slight browning on the rim. Enchanting bouquet of ripe berries, can smell it all day! The taste is another story, bitter attack, thin mouthfeel, high acid and alcohol, not enjoyable (7.9/10)

2005 - Slight browning. Attractive black fruits nose but alcohol still dominant. Bitter entry again, very tannic. Not much fruit except some hints of sourish plums (8.3/10). Would I pay >$400 a btl for this star vintage? You must be kidding. I'd rather get half a dozen La Lagune or Clinet for this price for a reliable and solid claret.

1996 - Very orange hue. On the nose, less berries but more wet stones, in an enjoyable subtle way. Mellow attack, slight bitterness again and some unresolved tannins. Short finish (8.1/10)

2006 - Brooding dark opaque purple. Nose of blueberries and mint. Q light on entry, but bitterness surfaced midway again. Mid-bodied wine. Decent, but alcoholic finish (8.2/10)

1989 - Bricking on the rim but still quite dark for its age. Rather closed nose, paper pulp dominated w only slight fruity hints. A mellow, light body wine and a touch of acidity still present. Over the hill? Might even be slightly corked (7.8/10)

Overall, quite a disappointing outing in light of the reputation of this Chateau. Brutal tannins all around. Where is the magic that wowed Parker into the 90-100 pointers? Did not see it today .