1961 Trotanoy
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Tasting notes
The first bottle of 1961 Trotanoy that came from the Bill Koch cellar was out of condition, though fortunately one of our dinner party guests had the consideration to turn up with a half-bottle. This was ostentatious and a little spirituous, though perfectly drinkable. Then, in April 2024, a magnum of impeccable provenance was opened by a friend over from the USA and finally testifies to a monumental Pomerol that, when firing on all cylinders, is perfection. Quite deep in color, this is bridled with a kaleidoscopic bouquet: black fruit, violet, black truffles, some of the glycerol perhaps borrowed from the 1961 Latour à Pomerol. It shows astounding delineation and focus. The palate is a behemoth, sporting incredible concentration, svelte tannins, a slightly viscous texture and a fathomless finish surfeit with black fruit laced with blood orange, kirsch and hints of allspice. Tasted at Oswald's in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Blackish crimson, brick rim. Black cherries on the nose. Very opulent and arresting. Fragrant and charming and lovely. Round and mellow and lots of sweet interest. Meaty, lacquer of duck (as in Peking duck). Not enormous but very, very true and difficult to spit. Intense. My favourite even when I thought it was a 1990! (JR)
Tasted 7 Times With Consistent Notes The 1961, which I have consistently rated between 96 and 100, is unquestionably the greatest Trotanoy in the post World War II era. The wine's saturated, thick, inky, plummy color reveals slight amber at the edge. The magnificent bouquet of jammy black-raspberries, smoke, cloves, tar, and caramel is a knock-out. With dense, unctuous, thick, sweet, rich flavors loaded with glycerin and extract, this massive, full-bodied, stunningly rich, fully mature wine is capable of lasting for another 10-20 years.
About the producer
Château Trotanoy was one of the first recognised Premier Cru sites on the Pomerol plateau, with records dating back to the late 1700s. Even back in the nineteenth century it was seen as the best site in Pomerol second only to Vieux Château Certan.