The 2019 TrotteVieille is rich and explosive in the glass. A whole range of intense floral notes appears first, followed by inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, new leather and cedar overtones that open up over time. A wine of power and stature, the 2019 is drop-dead gorgeous. There is so much complexity to the 2019 that it is hard to move on in this tasting. In a word: dazzling.

Trotte Vieille often needs a few years in bottle to soften the austerity that comes from such high levels of Cabernet Franc on pretty much pure limestone soils. This 2019 is going to be worth the wait, and is just as exceptionally poised and deft as it was En Primeur. You get mouthwatering slate scrape, with a lick of saffron, white pepper and crushed stones but this is also showing clear gourmet notes of liqourice, plump raspberry and blackberry fruits, and cappuccino cream that reflect the ripeness of the vintage. Love it.

The 2019 Trotte Vieille is burly, deep and powerful, not to mention loaded with character. Espresso, chocolate, iron, leather, licorice and sweet spice add to an impression of virile power and intensity. Big, strapping tannins add to an impression of muscle. The 2019 needs time, but it is a hugely promising wine. It is also one of the most tannic wines in Saint-Émilion.

The 2019 Trotte Vieille has closed up a little on the nose, yet there are still very attractive black cherries and iodine scents on the nose that gradually unfold with aeration. A touch of fresh fig appears in the background. The well-balanced palate delivers pure blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with graphite and minerals. Almost Left Bank in style, this shows great clarity and fans out wonderfully on the finish. Superb.

The 2019 Trotte Vieille has a ripe black cherry, raspberry preserve and iodine-scented bouquet that becomes floral with continued aeration. This is an exuberant nose that displays impressive purity. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit laced with black pepper and a pinch of sea salt, very cohesive and demonstrating fine grip on the finish. This is a classy offering from a much improved Saint-Émilion, especially in terms of the detail on the finish. Excellent. Tasted from bottle and half-bottle.