Even the second wine, the 2009 Tronquoy Lalande de Ste.-Anne, is a revelation. Composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot, it is a big, juicy, fruit-driven Bordeaux with copious notes of black fruits, earth, and spice. Enjoy it during its first 3-4 years of life. Bravo! (Tasted once.)
This estate, which was acquired by the international telecommunications giant, the French-based Martin Bouygues, has produced their finest wines to date under the guidance of Jean-Bernard Delmas (who made every Haut-Brion between 1961 and 2003). Delmas, who was coaxed out of retirement to apply his enviable talents in St.-Estephe, is a master at attaining sweet tannins, which is always a challenge in this northern appellation.