Chateau Tour Saint Christophe is a Bordeaux wine estate located in the Saint Emilion Grand Cru appellation at the border between the villages of Saint-Emilion and Saint Christophe des Bardes. The property overlooks beautiful centuries-old dry stone terraces on a clay-limestone subsoil. The shape of the property is a unique feature among the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, partly planted on narrow terraces where the vineyard is tended in tight five-row groups. This micro-landscape extends onto the slope overlooking the St Laurent valley.

In order to preserve the estate’s rich heritage, owner Peter Kwok undertook a recent restoration of the Chateau and revived the vineyard terraces with the reconstruction of dry stone walls as it had been built in the 18th century. About 1.5 km of dry-stone terraces have been repaired by hand, a two-year process, preserving their unique appearance.

The vineyard has an ideal south-southwest exposure and perfect natural drainage conditions. It is this secret alchemy which contributes to the quality of their terroir. The vines, 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, have an average age of thirty years.

When Peter Kwok purchased Chateau Tourans in 2015, its vines were added to Chateau Tour Saint Christophe, bringing the estate’s vineyard surface up to 20 hectares.

Chateau Tour Saint Christophe is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown on clay and limestone soil. The sorted grapes are put directly into concrete tanks or Bordeaux barrels (about 25% of the harvest). This follows the method of Vinification Intégrale, particularly well-suited for the Chateau Tour Saint Christophe terroir.

The wine is aged in the same barrels for 15-18 months at constant temperature in the underground cellar. Depending on the vintage, the proportion of new oak varies from 30% to 40% with the balance using 1- and 2-year old barrels.

The 2019 Tour Saint Christophe is a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed region of Saint Emilion in Bordeaux, France. This red wine showcases the artistry and expertise of the Tour Saint Christophe winery, known for consistently delivering outstanding vintages.

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, inky red color that hints at its intensity and concentration. On the nose, ripe black cherries and black raspberries take center stage, accompanied by notes of graphite, new leather, and a subtle hint of chalky minerality. These aromas create a captivating bouquet that entices the senses.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a tight, straight, and focused texture that showcases its precision and balance. Ripe yet present tannins provide structure and depth, while vibrant acidity adds freshness and energy. The length of this wine is truly outstanding, lingering on the palate and leaving a lasting impression.

While the 2018 vintage boasted mid-palate density and opulence, the 2019 vintage showcases a more refined and elegant character. It is described as pretty, focused, and straight, with a touch of grace that sets it apart. This wine has the potential to age beautifully, and it is recommended to give it 4-5 years of cellaring before enjoying it over the next two decades.

Renowned wine critics have also praised the 2019 Tour Saint Christophe. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a score of 94 points, highlighting its exceptional qualities. Jeff Leve awarded it an impressive score of 95 points, noting its layers of black and red fruits, freshness, and long finish. Decanter also awarded it 95 points, praising its combination of blue fruit appeal and density. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 93 points, praising its crowd-pleasing style. Vinous awarded it 95 points and noted its great potential for aging. James Suckling awarded it a remarkable score of 96 points, describing it as expressive, glorious, and fantastic value. Jane Anson awarded it 92 points, recognizing its sure-fire quality and potential for softening over the years.

Overall, the 2019 Tour Saint Christophe is a wine of exceptional quality and finesse. With its captivating aromas, precise structure, and impressive length, it is a true gem from the Bordeaux region. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine promises a remarkable experience for wine enthusiasts.