Tronquoy-Lalande 2016

The 2016 Tronquoy-Lalande is a brilliant wine. Wafting from the glass with scents of cassis, dark berries, cigar wrapper and loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with a deep and multidimensional core, lively acids and beautifully ripe tannins. Suave and elegant, this young, impeccably balanced classic will delight Médoc purists, but it is far from austere today and will offer a remarkably broad drinking window. 2022 - 2046

The 2016 Tronquoy-Lalande has a concentrated bouquet featuring a more open fruit profile compared to the 2016 La Dame de Montrose, offering blackberry, raspberry and light cassis notes and revealing touches of cedar and incense with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, and quite linear, leading into a nicely detailed, quite tensile finish. Another Saint-Estèphe that needs time, but this is a classy number. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. 2022 - 2042

The aromas of violets and flowers are impressive in this with dark fruit underneath. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Shows beautiful depth and resilience. Drink from 2023.

With 58% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Tronquoy-Lalande has a deep garnet-purple color. It requires a little swirling to uncover notions of stewed black plums, blackberry pie, and fruitcake, plus suggestions of crushed rocks, sauteed herbs, and charcuterie. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a great core of ripe black fruits with loads of savory sparks and a grainy texture, finishing with great length and freshness.