St Estèphe 2019 Château Tronquoy-Lalande

This superb Saint-Estèphe estate is overseen by Hervé Berland, who worked for many years for the legendary Mouton Rothschild.

An echo of that estate’s greatness can clearly be seen in the wood smoke aromas, smooth black fruit and long elegant finish.

Formerly in the telecommunications industry, the Bouygues brothers bought both Saint-Estèphe properties, Château Tronquoy-Lalande and Second Growth Château Montrose in 2006.

Both underwent massive renovation (10 million Euros was spent on Tronquoy-Lalande alone) and the investment has certainly made a difference.

It was made by the same team as the high profile Château Montrose, all overseen today by Hervé Berland.

Critic Jane Anson calls Tronquoy's wines "“one of the most reliable buys of the appellation.”

A fine claret, delicious now, but one that will continue to age gracefully.

" The 2019 Tronquoy-Lalande is made from 50% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot.

Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to offers fragrant notes of rose oil, Indian spices, and licorice over a core of creme de cassis and stewed plums plus a hint of lavender.

The full bodied palate is firm and sturdy, with grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to match the muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW