Chateau Tour St Christophe 2015

The wine is gaining its own identity with the outstanding 2015 vintage. Tightly deep rubied, the wine is with a bouquet integrating purple flowers, wet stone and ripe, dark fruit. The tannins are ample and tamed, creating good texture and minerality. A 30-minute full decanting should be suitable. Scores are pretty higher in the range of 93(RP), 94(AG), 95(JD, Jeff Leve), 96(JS).

. The 19 hectare St. Emilion vineyard of Chateau Tour Saint Christophe has a terroir of clay and limestone soils; hence the wine style is pretty intense. The vineyard planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc; therefore, there is always a certain ripeness to it with floral and fragrances. The vines grew to a density of 6,500 vines per hectare on the older plots. New parcels planned to a higher vine density of 7,500 vines per hectare.

Soil and microclimates similar to Valandraud and Chateau Fleur Cardinale in the warmer, Easter side of St Emilion.

Yes, it is run by a Chinese Peter Kwok in 2012 who also owns the Chateau Haut Brisson close to the famous Chateau Monbousquet or Chateau Teyssier. Peter Kwok purchased Haut Brisson in 1997 and continued adding to his portfolio of estates Chateau Enclos Tourmaline and Chateau Tourans.

This 2015 vintage uses micro vinification techniques made famous by Michell Rolland. The grapes are whole berry fermented, using micro vinification techniques, meaning that the wine vinifies in 60% new, French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. The wine ages in 60% new, French oak barrels for an average of 18 months, then it bottled. Hence the tannins are smoothed. Only 4000 cases produced each year. All the vineyard management work uses only organic, biodynamic, sustainable, vineyard farming techniques.

96 points James Suckling Intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries and spices. Hints of limestone and a graphite edge also come out now. Full-bodied, structured and muscular. Layered and intense. Dark berries and hints of sea salt on the finish. Steely minerality and freshness. Wow. Drink in 2024 but so interesting to taste. (2/2018)

95 points Jeb Dunnuck A total blockbuster from new owner Peter Kwok, who purchased the estate in 2012, the 2015 Château Tour Saint Christophe is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in 40% new wood. It boasts a deep purple color and sensational notes of ripe currants and crème de cassis, as well as background graphite, cedar, and spice nuances. Full-bodied, deep, layered, and perfectly balanced, with sweet tannin and integrated acidity, it’s one of those wines where everything is in the right place, it has no hard edges, and a beautiful finish. It needs short-term cellaring to come together, but you shouldn’t miss this beauty. It’s worth mentioning the estate is managed by the talented Jérôme Aguirre and utilizes Michel Rolland as a consultant. (11/2017)

94 points Vinous The 2015 Tour Saint Christophe was impressive from barrel and is equally impressive from bottle. Red cherry/raspberry jam, exotic spice and floral notes fill out in a sumptuous, racy Saint-Émilion loaded with personality. Even with all of its overtness, the 2015 retains a good bit of freshness as well. This is a fabulous showing from a property that continues to improve under the stewardship of owner Peter Kwok and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. (AG) (2/2018)

93 points Wine Enthusiast This is a perfumed, minty wine, attractive and freshly fruity. It has great acidity and fine, firm tannins, ripe and potentially with a generous, full texture. (RV) (4/2016)

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, matured for 18 months in oak, 40% new, the 2015 Tour Saint Christophe is deep garnet-purple in color with notes of wild blueberries, plum preserves and fruitcake plus touches of dried flowers and underbrush. The concentrated, full-bodied palate is packed with ripe blue and black fruits, supported by a solid foundation of plush, velvety tannins and finishes with wonderful length. 92+ (LPB) (2/2018)