Chateau Tronquoy Lalande Saint Estephe

97 Points, Platinum Medal and Best of Show at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards, the Chateau Tronquoy Lalande Saint-Estephe Bordeaux is an incredible value under $30. The sibling estate to Chateau Montrose, and crafted by the same winemaking team, the 2018 Tronquoy Lalande is a rich, full-bodied expression of Saint-Estephe rounded and layered with ripe tannin, jam-packed with juicy, black fruit layers. Even Jeb Dunnuck calls this Bordeaux "sexy." Finally performing up to its potential, Tronquoy Lalande is classified as Cru Bourgeois and overlooked until the Bouygues brothers bought the Chateau in 2006. This ultra-concentrated vintage suits the opulent style of the Chateau very well, with a higher percentage of Merlot in the blend than is usual for Saint-Estephe. Drink now with a decant, or hold for 15+ years. Amazing value!"The sibling property of Chateau Montrose, Tronquoy-Lalande has a bit more clay in its soil profile and is more inland than Montrose, perched on the hilltop. The 2018 Tronquoy-Lalande is composed of 51% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it springs from the glass with vibrant scents of baked black cherries, mulberries and plum preserves, plus suggestions of spice cake, Sichuan pepper, tobacco leaf and menthol. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy, black fruit layers, supported by ripe grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a peppery kick." The Wine Advocate, 93+ Points