Haut Tropchaud

History of Château Haut-Tropchaud

Acquired in 1987 by Michel Coudroy, Château Haut-Tropchaud is a wine estate situated on the clay-gravel plateau of Pomerol. Although modest in size, its exceptional location makes it an essential domain of the appellation. This terroir, prized for centuries, gives birth to some of the greatest Bordeaux wines. Before its acquisition by Coudroy, the estate was run by the Mathias family. Today, Château Haut-Tropchaud is positioned among the references of Pomerol, often recognised for the finesse and complexity of its wines.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Haut-Tropchaud

The vineyard of Château Haut-Tropchaud benefits from an exceptional terroir, situated on the highest point of the Pomerol plateau, known as the "haute terrasse". This soil, composed of a top layer of gravel, clay and sand, is rich in ferruginous concretions in the subsoil, which gives the vines a unique minerality.

This 2-hectare vineyard is exclusively planted with Merlot, a grape variety that finds perfect expression here thanks to an exceptional terroir. With an average vine age of 40 years, these vines produce high-quality grapes, ensuring remarkable aromatic complexity and concentration on the palate. The planting density is high, allowing better competition between the vines and thus guaranteeing optimal fruit quality.

Vinification at Château Haut-Tropchaud

Vinification at Château Haut-Tropchaud is a mastered art that relies on traditional techniques and meticulous attention at every stage. The harvest is done by hand, ensuring a rigorous selection of the best bunches. Once harvested, the grapes are vinified in a way that preserves the natural richness of Merlot and enhances the unique characteristics of the terroir.

The wines are aged in new oak barrels for 18 months. This method not only brings subtle aromas of vanilla and cocoa but also helps to round out the tannins and strengthen the structure of the wine, while allowing the fruit to express itself fully.

The Cuvées of Château Haut-Tropchaud

Château Haut-Tropchaud produces about 10,000 bottles per year, all from its single grape variety, Merlot. The flagship cuvée, "Anthologie", is a wine that perfectly illustrates the elegance and power of this estate. The 2007 vintage, although from a year considered more modest, reveals a garnet robe with purple reflections, intense aromas of ripe fruits and delicately cocoa notes, a true pleasure for enthusiasts.

The wines of Château Haut-Tropchaud are known for their ability to age harmoniously. Their tannic structure, aromatic richness and persistence on the palate make them wines for keeping, capable of improving with the years.

Pomerol, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious appellations, has produced some of the finest wines over the decades. The most notable vintages include 1970, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1990, renowned for their complexity and longevity. Other exceptional years such as 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 continue to delight fine wine enthusiasts. More recently, the vintages 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 have confirmed Pomerol's ability to offer wines of exceptional quality, thus cementing the appellation's reputation amongst Bordeaux's finest.

Discover the other great châteaux of Pomerol, true treasures of the Right Bank, where each estate rivals in excellence. Beyond the legendary Pétrus, explore prestigious names such as Beauregard, Bon Pasteur, Clinet, Gazin, Haut Trochaud, L'Eglise Clinet, La Conseillante, La Fleur Pétrus, Lafleur, Le Pin, Latour à Pomerol, Nénin, Trotanoy, or even Vieux Château Certan. These estates, often compared to the great classified growths of Saint-Émilion, offer a unique experience, rich in finesse and character, which will delight connoisseurs of fine wines. 

Château Haut-Tropchaud is a rare gem in the landscape of great Pomerol wines. Despite its small size, this estate produces wines of remarkable finesse and generosity, supported by an exceptional terroir. Whether you are an amateur or a collector, the wines of Château Haut-Tropchaud are jewels to discover, offering both power and elegance, and an unforgettable experience for lovers of great Pomerols.