Château Tronquoy 2011

Tasting characteristics and advice for Château Tronquoy-Lalande 2011

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a dense, deep plum-ruby hue.

Nose
The nose expresses itself with freshness and elegance, unveiling aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blueberry) accompanied by spicy, lightly oaked notes. Delicate floral nuances complete this expressive bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is medium-bodied, marked by silky, beautifully ripe tannins. The blackcurrant and black cherry fruit provides substance, while the overall balance is particularly harmonious. Supple and lingering, the finish charms with its saline edge tinged with licorice.

Food and wine pairings

This Château Tronquoy 2011 is an ideal match for red and white meats prepared roasted, braised, or grilled: beef, lamb, veal, pork, duck, or poultry. It also pairs very well with game and is a pleasantly surprising partner for certain spicy Asian dishes. Hard cheeses also make an interesting pairing.

Serving and cellaring

Château Tronquoy 2011 can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2035. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 15.5°C. Young bottles may be decanted for one to two hours to allow the wine to fully open up.

An elegant, balanced Saint-Estèphe signed Château Tronquoy-Lalande

The estate

Founded in 1745 in the Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, Château Tronquoy now spans 30 hectares. The estate owes its name to its founder François Tronquoy, who in 1855 refused to take part in the classification of Bordeaux growths, out of a belief in independence. Since 2006, the estate has belonged to brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues, also owners of Château Montrose, who have invested heavily in modernizing the facilities and converting to organic farming, certified in 2024. Under the leadership of Hervé Berland, former director of Château Mouton Rothschild, the château produces wines renowned for their elegance and finesse, standing apart from the rustic stereotypes often associated with the appellation.

The vineyard

The Château Tronquoy vineyard benefits from a privileged location in the heart of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, on the famous terrace shared with several classified growths. The soils feature an exceptional composition, with eight meters of gravel depth ensuring excellent drainage, resting on a layer of clay that retains water deep down. Situated at 23 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from the regulating influence of the nearby Gironde estuary, which moderates temperatures and contributes to the hallmark freshness of the wines. The vines, with an average age of 30 years, are planted at a high density of 9,000 vines per hectare and are cultivated according to organic farming principles with traditional plowing.

The vintage

The 2011 vintage proved particularly challenging in Bordeaux. After an exceptionally dry spring with early, even flowering, the summer was generally cool, especially in June and July. Two scorching days on June 26 and 27, with temperatures reaching 40°C, caused some sunburn on the grape clusters. Veraison progressed slowly due to the cool weather. A hailstorm struck on September 1, partially affecting the vineyard without jeopardizing the final quality. The deep gravel and clay soils of Château Tronquoy helped maintain an adequate water supply despite the spring drought, promoting optimal grape ripening.

Winemaking and aging

The Château Tronquoy 2011 harvest took place from September 3 to 23, allowing each plot to be picked at optimal phenolic ripeness. Alcoholic fermentation proceeded quickly, with controlled extraction during pump-overs to preserve the elegance and finesse of the tannins. The wine was then aged for twelve to sixteen months in French oak barrels, with 30 to 40% new oak, a balance that respects the expression of the fruit while adding structure and complexity.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (47%)
Merlot (42%)
Petit Verdot (11%)