Tronquoy-Lalande - Saint-Estephe 2014

Located in the heart of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, Château Tronquoy-Lalande has a vineyard spanning 30 hectares. The origins of the estate date back to the 18th century, with current owners Martin and Olivier Bouygues acquiring it in 2006.

As one of the oldest Saint-Estèphe wines, it takes its name from François Tronquoy, the estate’s first owner, and the place-name La Lande, meaning the heath, on which the Château’s historic vineyard is planted.

In 2006, when Martin and Olivier Bouygues discovered this little vineyard they embarked on a large-scale modernisation programme which culminated in 2010 with the construction of a vast barrel hall and a new vat house equipped with a vertical press and 22 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.

The 2014 Tronquoy-Lalande has a more elegant, refined bouquet compared to its peers, a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar, iodine and violets, perhaps picked a little later? The palate is medium-bodied with a ferrous opening, and the tannins are a bit drier than I would have liked, though the overly spicy and persistent finish is complex. This is a very positive showing for one of the most under-rated estates in Saint-Estephe. 92+ points, Neal Martin, Vinous.