Château La Tour de Mons 2023

Expressive, still somewhat marked by oak, with red fruit in the background; light-footed, elegant, lively, well-judged tannins, spicy finish. It will win people over quickly.

Fragrant and lively on the nose. Quite a cool, blue-toned graphite edge to the aromatics. Juicy and sleek, a lovely bright, streamlined wine, chalky and grippy, much more right bank in style with the Merlot on clay and limestone. Clean and clear, nice precision and clarity, still with cranberry and freshly picked strawberry elements. I love the stony grip on the finish. Cool and calm, a little toasted at the end, but nice energy and focus. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Tobacco, cedar, cherries, and flowers form the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, chewy, and spicy, with freshness and energy that carry through all the red cherries on the finish. The wine blends 57% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV, 3.6 pH. Drink from 2026–2042. 90–92 points.

Lovely precision with sappy tannins, and a sense of energy, underlined by clove spice, and just a touch of austerity with slim raspberry and blueberry fruits. This is located in the northern part of Margaux, more clay and limestone in the subsoil than its sibling estate Marquis d'Alesme. Harvest September 13 to October 7, 32hl/ha yield, 20% new oak barrels for ageing.