For over a decade, Tronquoy Lalande has been a vintage-to-vintage favorite of ours here at K&L, and all the best reasons are on full display with the 2016. It has the depth of flavor that the vintage is known for, as well as the focus, purity, and structure that makes 2016s in the Northern Medoc undeniable. Sharp blackberry, loamy soil, and plum highlight a generous nose that leads to a palate that is defined by textural refinement, and gives way to black cherry, tobacco, and plum. Fine tannins linger on the finish. This is a wine of refinement that unwinds with time in the glass, and delivers one nuance after another even at this stage. I can't wait to see how it ages.

Considered one of the best vintages of Tronquoy-Lalande, the 2016 is definitely in its youth still. To drink it now I would advise to decant it. But it’s all there, alluring aromatics of blueberries, cassis and incense; rich, full body palate with plenty of spices. For the cellars, by the case!

The folks at Montrose have fashioned another structured yet sexy wine filled with ripe, forward fruit that can be enjoyed tonight but could age gracefully for decades. The supple, flowery aromas are followed by a sweet entry of black and blue fruits that coat the substantial middle and lead to a structured finish of fine, sweet tannin. This is a full-bodied wine that hides its scale with wonderful balance and impeccable length.