Château La Tour de Mons 2016

Light savory details and tobacco leaf notes dart through a core of pomegranate and cherry flavors, with a dusting of sandalwood on the finish. Not big, but fresh and focused. Drink now through 2027. 10,000 cases made.

Here we are stepping up a gear for this estate, with careful but not shy fruit extraction, some real intensity to the silky raspberry and bilberry flavours, and tannins that cradle without overpowering the fruit. Brilliant value for money in a wine where you get a hint of the floral silkiness of Margaux. Owned by CA Grands Crus, the same group that owns Grand Puy Ducasse, Tour de Mons is benefitting from recent investments together with the sure touch of technical director Anne le Naour. 56% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot,

The 2016 La Tour de Mons has a lifted, quite spicy bouquet with kirsch, red berry fruit and touches of graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, great volume and ripeness. The finish comes through more like a 2015 in style with a smooth texture and quite a luscious graphite-tinged note. Very fine. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.

Earth, herbs and forest leaf accompany the ripe, soft, fresh, sweet red fruits. Elegant and charming on the palate, this is a value-priced wine from the Margaux appellation that really works this year.

Precise, fruity and spicy nose with notes of flint and jasmine; a rich, enveloping, silky palate with firm tannins and good persistence. Both elegant and robust. Should age without any issues. An unbeatable value for money!

2016 is very classic, with depth and remarkable breadth for the cru, which is gaining in density.

Small red berries, vanilla. Oak is too pronounced, broad tannins, a bit massive, nice acidity, slightly drying finish.

Purple with slight violet highlights. An intense, inviting, complex bouquet, marked by freshness and fruit. Pleasant notes of blackcurrant. A delectable, creamy attack. On the palate, this wine has breadth and features perfectly integrated tannins that provide a fine backbone in harmony with the structure. A precise, delicate, charming wine with excellent aging potential.

Dark color, of normal intensity. Fruity, discreet nose with well-ripened fruit. Tender, fruity, flavorful, pleasant palate. Medium body and length.

The nose is fruity, fairly refined, gourmand and elegant. It reveals delicate notes of fresh/ripe blackberry and ripe/fresh wild berries, paired with subtle hints of fresh/ripe strawberry, discreet touches of licorice/zan and a subtle hint of cardamom. The palate is fruity, juicy, nicely guided and offers good freshness, a fine acidic backbone, indulgence, good structure and a delicate creaminess. On the palate, this wine shows notes of fresh/ripe blackberry, fresh/ripe morello cherry, raspberry and fine notes of fresh red berries, with a discreet hint of licorice, chocolate and fine touches of cardamom. The tannins are fine, slightly polished and well-handled. Good length and subtle gourmandise on the finish.

Situated in one of the northern sectors of Margaux, this estate was created in the 13th century. This sumptuous wine has enormous power that is mitigated by the taut, mineral texture and black-currant flavors. It is a finely wrought wine that will take time to age. Drink from 2024.