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 2021 Tour Saint Christophe is a Bordeaux Blend wine hailing from the prestigious Saint Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine exudes elegance and sophistication, with a deep brooding color that sets the stage for its rich and concentrated aromas. On the nose, it reveals soft perfumed blackberry notes, intertwined with a touch of savory elements.

Upon the first sip, the freshness of the wine is immediately apparent. The noticeable acidity adds a vibrant and bright character, creating a mouthwatering experience. The palate is invigorated with a kick of fresh strawberry juice, infusing the wine with energy and liveliness. It truly sings loudly with each sip.

The 2021 Tour Saint Christophe is a top buy for pure enjoyment, while still maintaining its structural integrity. It offers a subtle combination of flavors, including gentle herbal tones, creaminess, vanilla, and cinnamon. This wine is less about one dominant flavor and more about the harmonious interplay of various elements. The freshness takes center stage and remains prominent throughout the entire tasting experience.

With a yield of 35hl/ha, this vintage is a great effort in 2021. It has received high praise from renowned wine critics. Decanter awarded it 92 points and described it as lifted and joyous. James Suckling gave it 93 points, noting its nicely salty and chalky characteristics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded it 92 points, praising its purity, liveliness, and elegantly muscular structure. Vinous gave it 93 points, highlighting its compelling energy and melding of dark fruit, leather, gravel, incense, and mocha flavors. Jane Anson scored it 91 points, emphasizing the depth of fruit, limestone salinity, and enjoyable pumice stone minerality. Jeff Leve gave it an impressive 94 points, praising its bright, crisp, chewy, and fresh qualities. Lastly, Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 93 points, calling it another gorgeous wine from the talented producer, Jérôme Aguirre.

The 2021 Tour Saint Christophe is an exceptional wine that showcases the true potential of the Saint Emilion terroir. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now but has the potential to age gracefully, revealing even more complexity and depth.