2024, Château Trotanoy, POMEROLLast year EP $284. 00 Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Darkly spiced fruit on the nose, blackcurrant, black cherry and plum. Clean and focused, this has fine muscles and some tension it carries an air of seduction, the flavours extending vertically creating layers of fleshy tannins, juicy acidity, ripe fruit and chalkiness. Filling, on the more forward and expressive side. I like the intensity here, it takes the vintage and adds extra push,

Long finish

but selected from the richer clay 'molasses de fronsadais' on the slopes

The wine is crazy fun to make (he tells me) and crazy fun to drink (I can confirm)

continuing the evolution of Testamatta from its earliest years

A great effort with excellent ageing potential

Citrus peel

This is enjoyable and good quality

85% new oak

and wildflowers

the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape is deep purple-hued with a classic 2023 profile of darker berry fruits

No new oak is used

Clear mid-ruby colour