2020 Château Trotte Vieille, Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

This has belonged to the Castéja family, which owns Château Batailley, since shortly after the 2nd World War. It is a small property by Saint-Emilion standards, just 12.5 hectares, situated on a thin layer of red clay, at the top of the limestone plateau near the town. Cabernet Franc makes up a significant 50% of the blend in 2020, with Merlot 49%, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is purple-ruby of medium depth, the nose being rich, ripe and complex. Palate shows immediate, dense fruitiness, silkily textured, with well-balanced tannins and lovely, harmonious length (for drinking 2025-2040+).