Château Tronquoy 2011

Juicy and fresh, crisp tannins, a fruity, floral finish of lilac and berries, very well done.

A cru bourgeois under the same ownership as Chateau Montrose, and sharing the same administrator, Herve Berland, Tronquoy Lalande made sensational wines in 2009 and 2010 that represented great value. The 2011 possesses a dense ruby/plum color, a richer, more textured mouthfeel than many of its peers, medium body, silky tannin, and fleshy black currant and black cherry fruit. It is an excellent effort as well as a potential sleeper of the vintage. Consume it now or cellar it for ten years.

Black core. Lifted and slightly jammy fruit on the nose. Likewise on the palate, the fruit is slightly stewed and clashes with the high acidity. Tough with firm, chewy tannins. (JH)

Charcoal, vanilla bean and peppery black raspberry scents, with light textures, some drying tannins and black cherry sensations are discovered in the finish. I’d give this a year or two of age before drinking over the next 5–7 years.

Dark and inky core, still very youthful and dense in colour, but with a slightly lighter rim. Quite an intense nose. Still on the youthful side with dark, inky fruit. Black plum, dark cherry, cassis, a slight hint of leather, and some liquorice and anise seed in terms of spiciness. The palate is very dense. Plenty of weight and plenty of extract. Still appearing a bit youthful on the palate, with young and vigorous tannins. Fresh acidity and layers of juicy, dark fruit. Fine spiciness on the palate, with those hints of anise seed and some clove. Quite laid-back oak. Rather long finish, still a bit tight on the aftertaste, but it should doubtlessly have the potential to develop more complexity and softness with age.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Very floral, fresh tobacco leaf, Alpine blueberries, a fine touch of eucalyptus, and also some honey from slightly overripe Merlots. Fleshy palate, well-supported structure, with enough tannin to demand at least 8 years of bottle age. A truly classic Saint Estèphe.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Very floral, fresh tobacco leaf, Alpine blueberries, a fine hint of eucalyptus, but there’s also some honey from slightly overripe Merlots. Fleshy on the palate, well-supported muscle, with enough tannin to call for at least 8 years of bottle age. A truly classic Saint Estèphe. (17/20). 19: Matte purple-garnet. Floral, spicy bouquet; the fruit seems to be fading. You’ll find tar, licorice, and smoke. On the palate it feels reserved, quite firm, serious, and introspective. Shows its Saint-Estèphe edges. Slow to develop. (17/20).

(47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, 48 hl/ha, 56% Grand Vin) Medium-bodied, peppery, sweet bouquet, red berries, plum, balsa wood, licorice. Soft, broad palate with good, medium fruit, finely sandy tannins, bourgeois structure, sweet finish. Can improve further. 16/20 2017 - 2028

A dense, tannic and silky wine, elegant, with ripe tannins and lovely substance.

Dark color followed by a beautiful nose of fresh, ripe fruit. The palate is round, juicy, and flavorful at the start, with plenty of taste in the mid-palate, finishing a touch austere on the persistence. Normal length.

Very firm tannins coming from ripe black fruits give this structured wine, produced by the winemaking team from Château Montrose, a solid, dense feel. The core of dryness is surrounded by rich fruits and bright acidity. The wine presents the possibility of good aging; drink from 2018.