2000 Château Tronquoy-Lalande

Château Tronquoy-Lalande takes its name from Francois Tronquoy, who built the estate in the 18th century. For the next 200 years there were numerous owners. In 2006 it was acquired by brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues, French industrialists who also own Château Montrose. Today the 74-acre estate is managed by Hervé Berland and Yves Delsol. Vineyards are planted to 52% Merlot, with the remaining acreage planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The estate’s flagship cuvée is generally a blend of about 55% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Saint-Estèphe is in the northern Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde River. Although it has no First Growth estates, its five Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Growth châteaux are notable, and, in recent decades, have become favorites with reviewers and consumers. Some reviewers also note that the appellation is today making excellent Cru Bourgeois wines, which frequently offer good value. There are 3,404 acres of vineyards and a variety of soil types, from gravelly soil to soil with significant sand or clay. The two Second Growth Châteaux in St.-Estephe are Cos d’Estournel and Montrose. The Third Growth Calon-Ségur is widely admired. The principal grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.