Château Trotanoy - Pomerol 2005

Wine Spectator

96 / 100

byJames Molesworththe6/12/2018

Gorgeous, with fig bread, licorice root, ganache and loam notes, this sports a hefty profile, with dark, earthy components matched to a well of mulled black currant and blackberry fruit. Shows a strong spine through the finish, revealing a tug of graphite that won’t quit. Needs to wait. Best from 2020 through 2040. 2,750 cases made.

Wine Advocate

98 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2015

This blockbuster 2005 is dense ruby/purple, with sweet black cherries, cassis, earth and white chocolate in both aromas and flavors. A strong, mineral-dominated, powerful wine (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc), it is extremely backward, super-concentrated, and tasting more like blood of Merlot than any other Pomerol. Dense purple, super-rich, and stunning, this wine has at least a 20- to 30-year upside to it. An absolutely spectacular effort from this great terroir, it can be drunk now, but patience will be rewarded. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. (98+)

Jancis Robinson

17,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe2/9/2015

Mid crimson. Meat and leather on the nose. Sleek with a beautiful texture – most unusual in 2005 because the tannins are virtually submerged in well-polished fruit. Fairly dry but not drying on the finish. Very fine. 13.5% Drink 2018-2040

La Revue du Vin de France

19 / 20

the10/20/2014

Sa bouche crémeuse est identifiable, identaire de Pomerol, puissante, portée par sa richesse naturelle en alcool qui enrobe et fait prendre de la hauteur aux saveurs, sans surchauffe. Finale adolescente et déjà profonde.

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe6/10/2009

Tasted single blind at Southwold. A fabulous Trotanoy that harks back to the glory days. It has a smoky earthy, sous-bois nose with touches of damp moss and liquorices. Good definition and complexity. The palate is very ripe with good weight, fine acidity, mulberry and liquorices towards the finish with an earthy quality just waiting side of stage. Nice harmony and length. Well crafted and full of character. Drink 2015-2030+ Tasted January 2009.

Vinum

18 / 20

the6/30/2008

Tout simplement renversant. Il possède non seulement la forte personnalité qu'on lui connait, la densité et la race, la chaleur et la rondeur si caractéristiques d'un pomerol, mais également une bonne portion d'élégance. 2012 à 2025.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

94 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe6/30/2008

Good bright, dark red. Sexy red berries, iron, mocha and caramel on the nose; an essence of Pomerol merlot. Suave on entry, then sweet but gripping in the middle, with integrated acidity giving terrific definition and thrust to the multifaceted flavors of red berries, minerals, iron and spices. A wonderfully vibrant wine that saturates the entire palate without conveying any impression of weight. With its finishing medicinal austerity, this outstanding wine appears already to be shutting down in bottle. Should prove to be the most exciting vintage for this chateau since the great 1998. 94(+?)

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/7/2008

Complex aromas of sweet black cherries, loamy soil, roasted herbs, coffee, chocolate, and oak dominate the backward, muscular, virile 2005 Trotanoy. Deep ruby/purple to the rim, this broodingly backward, deep Pomerol exhibits admirable intensity, impressive purity, and a long, concentrated finish. Its character is similar to that of the 1998, but with more structure and tannin. I suspect my score will prove to be conservative after a decade of bottle age. Along with Petrus and Lafleur, Trotanoy is the most backward of all the Pomerols. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035.

La Revue du Vin de France

19 / 20

the2/25/2008

Précision et définition de bouche remarquables. Enorme profondeur et puissance impressionnante. Un modèle de Pomerol classique tailly pour une gare plusieurs décennies.

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/22/2008

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/4/2007

Earthy, sweet black cherries dominate this powerful, virile 2005 Trotanoy. It reveals huge tannin, massive concentration, and formidable depth and intensity. While it may not achieve the greatness of the 1998, it is a stunning wine built for those with considerable patience. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/1/2006

A closed, muscular, masculine, tannic effort, the 2005 Trotanoy reveals scents of crushed rocks, new saddle leather, roasted meats, black cherries, and charcoal. Medium-bodied, dense, ruggedly built as well as deep, it will be a long-lived Pomerol, but will offer little charm in its youth. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026.

Wine Spectator

95-100 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/30/2006

Extremely floral aromas with raspberry and cherry undertones. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. This is very structured. Muscular. Best ever? —J.S.