Château Tronquoy-Lalande 2008, CB St EStephe

Deep ruby, with a light ruby rim. A full bouquet of white flowers, strawberry and blackcurrants, aromas of green spices and red pepper, a hint of coffee, a lot of lengths. On the palate, there are still some fresh, pretty, black(mulberry) and red(strawberry)fruit leading to a dry, herbal and mineral touch with a final tension that makes a 'perrier' and 'bakery' finish. The tannins are melted by now and feel noble. There is a great balance of ripeness with the four grapes( merlot (51%), cabernet-sauvignon (41%), petit verdot (6%) and a dash of cabernet fran). Petite, yet with some volume, this classic 2008 is the first vintage of the new vat, which confirms the return of this wine to its best. Don't hurry with this medium-bodied wine; you don't feel the 13.5% alcohol.

Beautifully situated on gravelly ridges facing the Gironde, Château Tronquoy-Lalande is next to the prestigious Château Montrose belonging to the same owner (Bouygues family). Similar wines usually cost 33% to 50% more.

Tronquoy de Sainte-Anne is the second wine of the Good value for money. C

Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 92 and writes, 'A rich, rounded wine with a dominant, soft, Merlot character. The wine also offers a firm tannic base over which there is a more fruity character and spice and fruit cake flavors on the finish.irm, with the toast sitting atop the mulled plum and blackberry fruit. The finish picks up hints of roasted charcoal and warm bread dough, showing a slightly dusty edge as well. (JM, Web-2011)'.