Château Trotte Vieille, located on a superb slope east of Saint-Émilion, is one of the oldest vineyards in the appellation. It has a long history dating back to at least 1453, owning some of the oldest vines in the Right Bank, including pre-phylloxera parcels over 150 years old.

Purchased by Borie-Manoux in 1949, Château Trotte Vieille is still owned by the Casteja family, who also own Batailley in Pauillac and L'Église in Pomerol. With winemaker Thomas Duclos and a new winery, the estate has achieved a dramatic rise in quality.

Presenting two ex-château back vintages, the 2009 and 2016, which are highly recommended options for Bordeaux wine lovers. The 2009 Trotte Vieille, declared by Neal Martin as an “excellent” vintage, is now at its peak after 15 years of cellar aging. It is a rich Bordeaux living up to the remarkable vintage standard of 2009, with impressive flavors and a hoisin-tinged finish.

For collectors, the 2016 vintage is perfect for long-term cellaring, having received exceptional ratings from James Suckling (97-98 points) and Decanter (97 points). Bordeaux 2016 is renowned as one of the greatest vintages of all time, and Trotte Vieille 2016 showcases impressive polish, intensity, finesse, and balance. It also boasts another two decades of ageing potential, leaving it plenty of room for value upside.

These ex-château back vintages offer impeccable condition and provenance. As recent vintages certainly require more cellaring time and come with higher prices, these pair look like some brilliant buys.