Chateau Tour Saint Bonnet, Medoc AC

Description

Chateau Tour Saint Bonnet is a red wine from the Medoc wine-growing appellation of Bordeaux. It is one of those Chateau that has always seem to do very well in the English market and is one of the top Cru Bourgeois wines in the Northern Medoc. 

Chateau Tour Saint Bonnet itself is located in the commune of Saint Christoly Medoc in the northern Medoc and is the largest vineyard in the commune. There are historical mentions of an estate and “la Seigneurie de Saint Bonnet” at the location dating back to the 15th century. There are records of wine being produced at the estate by the middle of the 17th century. In 1903 the estate was acquired by Mr. Étienne André Lafon and the estate remains in the Merlet-Lafon family to this day. Due to a lawsuit brought about by Château Latour in Pauillac, in 1996 the family was forced to drop the “La” from the original Chateau name of Chateau La Tour St Bonnet. The Chateau maintained its Cru Bourgeois in the most recent 2020 Cru Bourgeois classification.

The vineyards are planted on “graves Garonnaises” or “Garonnaise gravels” and are located next to the River Gironde on a gravel ridge. The 40 hectares of vineyards are planted with 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernets, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cot (Malbec). The average age of these vines is 35 year old. The Chateau has been owned by the Merlet family for four generations.

Winemaker Jacques Merlet opts for fermentation in concrete vats rather than small oak barrels and then ages the wine in large oak foudres ( large wooden oak cask) for 18 months. This means oak influence is much more subtle and elegant and more of the pure fruit character is retained.  A full-bodied and rich Claret with elegant, cassis fruit and a smooth finish.

Chateau Tour Saint Bonnet 2017 is a blend of 65% Merlot, 30 % Cabernet and 5% Petit Verdot.