2001 Chateau Trotanoy, Pomerol, Bottle (750ml)

VM95+ The 2001 Trotanoy is a vintage that I tasted regularly in its youth, but had not encountered for five years. It has a very appealing nose of loamy earth/mulch-infused tarry black fruit, touches of mint coming through with aeration. The medium-bodied palate delivers a mixture of red and black fruit, a liberal dash of cracked black pepper, and some clove and sea salt. Showing very good complexity, this is harmonious and focused, albeit just a little rustic toward the grippy finish. It’s less broody than in its youth, but I would still afford it 3–5 more years in bottle.