Château Tour de Pez 2020

The refinement and aromatic richness of a Cru Bourgeois from Saint-Estèphe

The estate

Acquired in 1989 by the Bouchara family, Château Tour de Pez has experienced a real renaissance thanks to the work undertaken at the property, both in the vineyard and in the winery. From vintage to vintage, this estate has stood out among the most important references of the Saint-Estèphe appellation thanks to its precise, high-quality wines. Château Tour de Pez is now classified a Cru Bourgeois of the Saint-Estephe appellation, while also being a member of the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux. Bearing a widely recognised signature style that emphasises Merlot in their blend, the wines of Château Tour de Pez are elegant, with great ageing potential.

The vineyard

Enjoying a superb location in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, the Château Tour de Pez vineyard covers 30 hectares of vines. The terroir is mainly composed of Girondine gravel and clay-limestone soils.

The vintage

2020 was an early vintage, with difficult climatic conditions that put a strain on the vineyard (frost, coulure, mildew). Winter and spring were marked by sporadic rainfall. The summer was particularly dry, with a slow and regular veraison and gradual ripening of the grapes. A significant difference was recorded between the date of technological maturity (maturity of the pulp, containing sugars and acids) and the date of phenolic maturity (maturity of the skin, containing aromatic precursors, anthocyanins and tannins). The climate was favourable, cool and fairly dry before the harvest. While the yields were low, the quality was there to produce an elegant, balanced wine with beautifully fresh aromas. The quality of this vintage within the 2018-2019-2020 trilogy is reminiscent of the legendary 1988-1989-1990 trilogy before it.

The blend

The Château Tour de Pez 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Cabernet Franc (10%).

The tasting

Colour

The wine displays an intense, beautiful purple colour.

Nose

The nose presents beautiful floral fragrances from the well-drained soils, which have protected the vineyard from water stress.

Palate

The property's limestone soils lend this wine freshness and wonderful density, beautifully balanced with great complexity and finesse.