2017 Chateau Tour Saint Christophe Saint Emilion Grand Cru

About the Wine 

​​On the eastern side of Saint-Emilion, in the commune of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Château Tour Saint Christophe crafts wines that are increasingly catching the attention of critics and Bordeaux lovers alike. 

In 2012, Peter Kwok (of Chateau Bellefont Belcier, Enclos Tourmaline, Haut-Brisson, and La Patache) and his daughter Karen bought the Château, restoring the vineyards and operations. Their restoration efforts and the increased quality of the wines they’re producing have earned them high praise from Jeb Dunnuck: Don’t miss a chance to try these wines. Dollar for dollar, they’re some of the best buys out there.

The Chateau Tour Saint Christophe Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is the flagship of these high-quality, best-buy wines that come from grapes grown in a vineyard that overlooks beautiful centuries-old dry stone terraces on clay-limestone terroir. The vineyard, with vines of an average age of thirty years, is orientated South-Southwest and benefits from ideal exposure to sun and perfect natural drainage conditions. It is this secret alchemy that contributes to the quality of the terroir. 

It also contributes to the quality of this rising star wine that Dunnuck calls “stunning.”

Aging: 15 months in 40% new barrels; 40% 1 time used barrels, 20% 2 time used barrels

Tasting Notes: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of Cassis and spice. Flavors of currant and hints of coca plus apparent but balanced minerality. Structured with juicy acidity and a beautiful texture.

Reviews 

This estate made a stunning 2017, and I continue to love this wine. A typical blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Chateau Tour Saint Christophe has remarkable purity in its black raspberry and blueberry fruits as well as complex spice, candied violet, spring flower, and cedary herb aromas and flavors. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness, incredible tannins, and flawless balance, it’s already accessible, as are most 2017s, yet is going to shine for 20 years or more.~ 95 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2017 Tour Saint Christophe is a dense, richly constituted wine loaded with tremendous energy and 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. Drink 2022 through 2032.~93+ Vinous

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.~ 93 James Suckling

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.~92+ Wine Advocate

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