A spicy, fresh and intense red on the nose with chocolate. Medium to full body and very fine tannins that give a creamy texture. Juicy and long. A blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Want to drink it now, but better after 2022.

The 2017 Tour Saint Christophe is a dense, richly constituted wine loaded with tremendous energy and pure power. It is also a bit shut down; so I would prefer to give it a few years in bottle to be at its best. Black fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and spice build into the potent, virile finish. This is a wine with tremendous promise. (AG) 93+

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Tour Saint-Christophe (blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) charges out of the glass with bold notions of dried mulberries, fruitcake and baked plums plus hints of tobacco, iron ore and tilled soil. Full-bodied, the palate is undeniably rich and opulent, yet the freshness injects vibrance and a sense of decorum, supported by plush tannins, finishing on a compelling mineral note. The alcohol here is knocking on 15%, but you wouldn't know it. (Psst, considering this is well over the 14% USA tariff threshold, this should find lots of takers in the States!) (LPB) 92+