Chateau Trotte Vielle, 1999 Red Wine
St Emilion Premiere Grand cru Classe
New arrivals - please allow 7 days for delivery
Bottle size: 75cl
Price:
$75.39 USD
Description
The Château Trotte Vieille 1999 is a wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B). The 1999 vintage in Bordeaux was a good but not exceptional year, characterized by variability in weather conditions. However, estates like Château Trotte Vieille, with their careful vineyard management and commitment to quality, crafted wines that are approachable, balanced, and enjoyable even after decades of aging.
Wine Overview
Château Trotte Vieille’s 1999 vintage is likely a blend typical of the estate:
Cabernet Franc (dominant): Providing structure, floral aromas, and herbal complexity.
Merlot: Adding richness, softness, and red fruit flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Contributing tannins and depth.
Vintage Characteristics
The 1999 vintage experienced a mild growing season with some rain during the summer. September brought better weather, allowing for a later harvest and the production of wines with good ripeness and balance. The Right Bank, with its Merlot-dominated blends, fared slightly better than the Left Bank, producing wines with softer tannins and earlier approachability.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Ruby red with garnet hues, showing some signs of maturity.
Aroma: A refined bouquet of redcurrants, cherries, and plums, with secondary notes of cedar, tobacco, and earthy tones. Hints of dried herbs, leather, and a touch of spice add complexity.
Palate: Medium-bodied with smooth, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. The flavor profile includes ripe red fruits, blackberries, and cassis, complemented by savory notes of graphite, forest floor, and subtle minerality.
Finish: Medium to long, with elegant layers of fruit, spice, and earthy nuances.
Drinking Window
As of 2025, the Château Trotte Vieille 1999 is at its peak or slightly past, offering a beautiful mix of primary and tertiary characteristics. Properly stored bottles should still be enjoyable for a few more years but are best consumed soon to appreciate their nuanced complexity.
Food Pairing
The elegance and maturity of the 1999 Trotte Vieille make it a versatile pairing with:
Roast lamb or beef with rosemary and thyme.
Duck breast with a cherry or berry reduction.
Mushroom dishes, such as wild mushroom risotto or truffle-infused pasta.
Aged cheeses like Gruyère, Comté, or Manchego.
Serving Recommendations
Decanting: Decant gently for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove sediment and allow the wine to breathe. Be careful not to over-decant, as older wines are delicate.
Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to fully enjoy its complexity and balance.
Conclusion
The Château Trotte Vieille 1999 is an elegant and mature wine, offering a classic expression of Saint-Émilion’s limestone terroir. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate the balance and nuance of a well-aged Bordeaux.
Condition
good levels - label damp affected and bin soiled