Tronquoy-Lalande 2010

The mix of black fruits on the nose has a ripe feel giving it richness. Black plum gives some flesh on the palate but behind the black fruited power is the freshness of red cherry that gives a lighter feel on the finish.

Deep Cabernet fruit, succulent middle and firm grip of ripe tannins, a success. Drink 2016-25.

Earth, charcoal, tobacco, oak and cassis scents lead to a round, fresh, black cherry and spice dominated wine that is drinking surprisingly well already, yet a few years of age should soften the tannins and add more complexity. One of the top values from St. Estephe.

One of the finest wines I have ever tasted from Tronquoy Lalande, this estate has been resurrected by the Bouygues family (also the owners of Chateau Montrose) capably assisted by Jean-Bernard Delmas, the wine architect at Haut-Brion between 1961 and 2003. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and a whopping 10% Petit Verdot, the 2010 boasts a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of violets, black currants, earth and subtle oak. Admirable concentration, sweet, well-integrated tannin and a surprisingly sexy, opulent mouthfeel result in a gorgeous wine to drink over the next 12-15+ years.

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. The Tronquoy-Lalande has a dense bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry and cedar that opens nicely with time. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, well judged acidity and an appealing harmonious finish with fine delineation and class. Classic in style, this is a well-made Saint Estephe. Tasted January 2014.

The rejuvenated Tronquoy-Lalande suffered some hail damage in early May, hence the lower yields at 35hl/ha and the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (50%) complemented by 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. It has fine lift on the nose with a more red fruit profile than black: wild strawberry and a touch of pomegranate with some tertiary/scorched earth in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a tannic entry, some fleshy Merlot complementing the cedar-infused Cabernet with some attractive peppery, animally notes towards the finish. A little rough around the edges at this early stage but I think this will meld together nicely by the time of bottling. Drink 2017- Tasted March 2011.