JAMES SUCKLING: This Shows wonderful depth and tannin quality with incredible elegance and completeness. Medium to full body and racy tannins. Strength, too. It is the acid that drives the tannins and keeps them serious and fine.

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Barrel Sample. Always a serious style of wine, this vintage has added intense fruits as well as tannins. Its concentration and dry core promise long aging while its fruit weight and fine acidity result in a bright finish. Drink from 2024."

ROBERT PARKER - THE WINE ADVOCATE: "About 20% of the vines were affected by frost this year. A blend of 56% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Trotte Vieille is medium to deep garnet-purple in color and redolent of warm plums, crushed blackberries and blackcurrant cordial with touches of Indian spices, violets and a hint of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and great freshness, with an expressive core and long finish."