The second wine, the 2012 Tronquoy de Ste.-Anne, is a blend of 45% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot. Surprisingly supple and fruity, it hits all the sweet spots on the palate and is a perfect choice for a second wine given its likeability and precocious personality. It exhibits black currant and cherry fruit notes intermixed with notions of bay leaf and spice. Drink it over the next 6-8 years.

The 2011 Tronquoy de Sainte-Anne is much lighter. Composed of 61% Merlot and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a dark ruby-hued, somewhat superficial, but charming, medium-bodied effort that is ideal for drinking in its first 5-6 years of life. This property, which is under the control of the Bouygue family who owns Chateau Montrose, has made enormous leaps in quality over the last 3-4 years. About 56% of the crop made it into the top wine.

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.

The second wine, the 2008 Tronquoy de Ste.-Anne, is a soft, charming, pleasant, vin de plaisir made from 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot. An ideal choice for bistros and brasseries looking for an inexpensive wine, it will drink well for a decade.