Decanter Magazine 17,25 / 20 the12/31/2014 Wonderful fragrant nose of smoky blackcurrants and flint. Juicy and vibrant in the mouth with building spiciness and lingering herbal and coffee nuances. Drink 2015 - 2030. (90+/100 points)
Wine Advocate 90 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2014 90+A serious effort, the 2011 Trottevieille boasts an inky/purple color as well as a tannic, masculine style that begs for some bottle age. Impressively concentrated with notes of licorice, black currants and a subtle touch of oak, and a powerful, long finish, this is a noteworthy effort in a challenging vintage. Forget it for 2-3 years and drink it over the following two decades. It is made by consultants Denis Dubourdieu and Gilles Pauquet.
Jamessuckling.com 92 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe2/19/2014 This shows a very serious concentration of blackberry and mineral character. Full body, silky tannins and a bright finish. Pretty balance. Better after 2017.
Wine Spectator 90 / 100 byJames Molesworththe2/11/2014 Nicely rendered, with singed sandalwood and dark tea notes running along the edges, while flavors of plum sauce and red currant preserves fill out the core. Lightly briary tannins and a hint of cedar lend a lightly firm edge, but this stays fine-grained overall. Best from 2015 through 2021.
La Revue du Vin de France 16-17 / 20 the5/31/2012 Assemblage 48% cabernet franc, 52% merlot et cabernet-sauvignon. Rendement de grand vin de 32hl/ha après tris et saignées contre 20hl/ha en 2010. Vendangé les 29 et 30 septembre. Ce sont les vieux cabernet francs qui donnent tout l'éclat et la fraîcheur crayeuse à ce très bel échantillon à l'allonge encore austère, mais indéniablement supérieure. Une réussite.
Le Point 16,5 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012 Fruits noirs, fermé, cassis, bouche ronde. Tanins de qualité, souples, bouche bien garnie et raffinée, vin droit, long, tannique, sérieux, prometteur, moins dans la séduction que dans la durée. O= 2018 G= 15 ans
Decanter.com 17,5 / 20 the4/30/2012 Lovely length and freshness, the Cabernet component (50%) is again working wonders. Real verticality with substance behind. Structured and harmonious. Drink 2020-2035.
Wine Advocate 86-88 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012 This is a firmly structured, dark ruby/purple-colored 2011 revealing hints of underbrush, camphor and herbaceously-tinged red and black currants in its medium-bodied, acidic personality. The wine seems clipped in the finish because of the acidity as well as noticeable tannins. Hopefully, it will flesh out with more barrel aging. Made by consultants Denis Dubourdieu and Gilles Pauquet from a final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.
TAST 15,5-16,5 / 20 by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012 Robe plus souple, fruit tendre, bouche gourmande et souple, finesse élégante et un rien limitée à ce stade mais il y a de l'agrément.
The Wine Cellar Insider 88-90 / 100 byJeff Levethe4/27/2012 With a high percentage of Cabernet Franc at 48%, 50% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is light ruby in color with a lighter style of St Emilion featuring finesse and a kirsch-filled finish. 88-90 Pts
Wine Advocate 89-91 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012 The 2011 Trottevieille is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc cropped at just 24hl/ha. It has a crisp nose with blackberry, mulberry, cedar and a touch of graphite, hints of orange blossom in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a poised entry, slightly pinched at first but opening nicely (having left this for 10 minutes in the glass.) I think this will expand and gain volume post-bottling. Tasted April 2012
Jancis Robinson 16,5 / 20 byJulia Harding MWthe4/24/2012 Drink 2016-2026 Rich black cherry colour. Toasty oak sweetness opening up to violets and ripe damsons. Smells rich and generous. Velvety smooth on the palate, still quite oaky. Harmonious but without a lot of energy. (JH)
Wine Spectator 88-91 / 100 byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012 Bright acidity supports the damson plum, raspberry coulis and bing cherry notes, with a slightly taut, spice-infused finish that should unwind after its full élevage. Good purity, in an elegant style.—J.M.
Wine Enthusiast 92-94 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/6/2012 This wine is powered with acidity, dark tannins and smoky wood. Concentrated and dense, it has weight along with the delicious, juicy fruits. —R.V
Jamessuckling.com 90-91 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/1/2012 A very pretty floral and citrus character with a lovely fruit structure and silkiness and a long finish. Not a big wine but lovely length and finesse. From 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.