A Banner Vintage at a Yesteryear Price: 2014 Tronquoy-Lalande

Back in 2006, the Bouygues family—of Montrose fame—acquired one of their nearby neighbors, ushering in a new era for Château Tronquoy-Lalande. Long known for producing impressive wines, the estate was on the verge of realizing its full potential, thanks to its enviable terroir just northwest of the renowned Super Second. The Montrose team, never short on ambition, began investing heavily—building new facilities in 2010 and revamping the winemaking process to match their exacting standards.

Since then, the château has continued to evolve, rebranding simply as “Tronquoy” and debuting a new white-and-blue label. Still, the classics from the Tronquoy-Lalande era hold a special place in our hearts—particularly the 2014, a standout vintage in the northern Médoc. Many regard Montrose as the wine of the vintage in 2014, and the Tronquoy-Lalande that year clearly benefited from the same deft handling of the growing season. It’s been a longtime go-to for us. The only downside? It’s become so delicious and affordable that corks continue to be pulled—and finding more has become a challenge.

That’s why I didn’t hesitate when a parcel came my way earlier this year—one that allowed us to offer the 2014 Tronquoy-Lalande, St-Estèphe. $29.99 95TWI at a true throwback price: under $30, direct from Bordeaux. Now entering what should be a long plateau of maturity, this wine strikes a beautiful balance between freshness and fruit, layered with hints of minerality and the savoriness that only age can bring. It’s a testament to how aged Bordeaux can be both profound and approachable—timeless in every sense.

If you're a collector looking to fill in the “drink-now” tier of your cellar, or simply a lover of classic claret at a price that feels like it shouldn’t be possible anymore, this is your moment. While we scour the market to find wines of provenance, maturity, and value all in alignment, some bottles—like the 2014 Tronquoy-Lalande—go above and beyond, even if they remain under the radar. It’s a quiet gem from a transformative chapter in Saint-Estèphe’s history: ready to pour, ready to impress, and ready to disappear fast.

- Ryan Moses, K&L Bordeaux Buyer