Composed of 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 Trotte Vieille achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. It exhibits abundant oak, some minerality, moderately high tannins and a touch of austerity. Nevertheless, it offers sweet currants, black cherries and hints of cedarwood as well as underbrush. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.