The 2019 Tour Saint Christophe was picked from 27 September until 15 October at 37hl/ha. Matured in 40% new oak, this has an incredibly concentrated bouquet that needs to shrug off a little reduction when I taste it. Layers of blackberry and blueberry, wilted violets and orange rind burst from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe grippy tannins that frame the layers of dense black fruit tinged with allspice and graphite. It is a Saint-Émilion clearly built for the long-term, powerful and uncompromising, perhaps one that will be in need of cellaring for several years before it becomes approachable.

From clay-rich soils opposite Troplong Mondot in the commune Saint Christophe des Bardes, the 2019 Tour Saint Christophe offers up demonstrative aromas of cherries, wild berries, sweet loamy soil, licorice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with an enveloping core of fruit, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins, it's a strong effort in a crowd-pleasing style.

The 2019 Tour Saint Christophe is a broad, powerful wine that captures all of the intensity typical of this sector of Saint-Émilion. Black cherry, espresso, chocolate, licorice, graphite and dark spice give the 2019 a decidedly somber, brooding feel. There is plenty to look forward to here - that much is clear.

Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Bit of Oxo/Bovril/Marmite about the nose. Fruit and then acidity on the palate but they are not yet married. Sweet and sour. Embryonic. Drying finish. (JR)