2007 Tronquoy Lalande (St Estephe) Cru Bourgeois

Plum and black currant fruit intermixed with notions of herbs, licorice, and spice box are found in this round, ample, easy-going, silky-textured 2007. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

Good red-ruby color. Red berries, licorice, flowers and spices on the nose. Supple and sweet, with red berry fruit complicated by herbs and black olive. Finishes with suave, smooth, nicely ripe tannins. Tronquoy-Lalande was purchased in late 2006 by the Bouygues group, the new owners of Chateau Montrose, who installed Jean-Bernard Delmas as director here as well.

Montrose: Much darker than the Ste-Anne below. Still has a leafy note but more dark fruit. Bigger, more juicy and spicy tannins. More persistent than the Ste-Anne and a little warm on the finish. 50% new oak. NB 12% Petit Verdot. Very moderate acidity so it finishes a little flat. (JH)