Chateau La Tour de Mons 2009, Margaux CB

Medium ruby with a medium rim, it is unpretentiously Margaux in style with tones of roses and lilac. Fragrant, forest fruits( plums, cherries, black currant), red fruits(cherries, plums), oak(cedar) hallmark the first. Clove, vanilla, black pepper, spicy herbs and bel filled the second. Quite harmonious now. Simple with right diversities and ethical complexities. The nose becomes more stony and minerally in the glass, while the palate gains some richness and depth from this warmer vintage with an ABV of 13%. Savour over the glass.

In terms of scores, it's a WS91 with other entirely consistent, international ratings. Bernard Ginestet in his Guide 'Margaux' writes that this historic wine somehow missed being included in the 1855 Classification despite fetching higher prices than the likes of Pontet-Canet or Lynch-Bages, a comment shared by a fellow Vivino writer. We surmise this result is not due to its lack of adequate quality. Instead, the Chateau's so unique Margaux character(Commune Soussans nose and palate with a Pomerol-like lushness and Graves like minerality) that do not render the Chateau classifiable under the 1855 system.

This vintage 2009 is from a 35-hectare, a single block of vines. These vines planted on perfect left-bank terroir (gravel and clay) give 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 73% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. The grapes are hand-harvested, matured in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and small oak barrels (30% new) for 12 months; the wine is cold-fermented to maximise fruit. Unfiltered, it is typically smooth, well-rounded and ripe. Eric Boissenot is the consultant hence the elegant and fruity style, which is made possible with the significant equipment improvements and support from the new owner Credit Agricole.