The 2011 Tronquoy-Lalande is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon 42% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot. In 2011 I find there is a large difference between the Grand Vin and Deuxieme Vin perhaps terroir playing a great influence than in 2010. The Grand Vin displays fine delineation on the conservative nose with notes of blackberry leaf earth granite and a touch of cassis: more purity than power. The palate is medium-bodied with firm dusky tannins that are a little suppler tasting two weeks later on 5th April. Crisp acidity cuts through its masculine structure foursquare but precise tapering away towards the finish but demonstrating admirable precision and focus. Tasted April 2012.

The 2011 Tronquoy-Lalande has a more vivacious and outgoing bouquet, high-toned blueberry and blackberry, wild mint and black pepper all emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine delineation, good grip with quite a saline, liquorice-tinged finish. Not complex, but there is presence here. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin

A cru bourgeois under the same ownership as Chateau Montrose, and sharing the same administrator, Herve Berland, Tronquoy Lalande made sensational wines in 2009 and 2010 that represented great value. The 2011 possesses a dense ruby/plum color, a richer, more textured mouthfeel than many of its peers, medium body, silky tannin, and fleshy black currant and black cherry fruit. It is an excellent effort as well as a potential sleeper of the vintage. Consume it now or cellar it for ten years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.