Chateau La Tour de Mons 2022

Ripe fruit, herbal notes, pronounced toasted aromas; fruity attack, crisp, with a certain fullness, gripping tannins, and a red-fruited finish with a vanilla note that’s a bit too prominent. Very cleanly made.

An expressive version, with a mix of violet, iris, chestnut and cedar notes leading the way for a core of lightly mulled red and black currant fruit. Offers a hint of cedary grain on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2035. 12,000 cases made.

Highly perfumed blue and black fruit on the nose. Fruity and lively, the acidity is quite high but nicely balances the chalky tannins, which stay on the right side of being too dry, with a soft oyster-shell and graphite edge on the finish. Oak feels well integrated, and there is an appealing ease to the overall frame, with cool blue fruit all the way through.

Some fine, sweet spices and licorice to the ripe but fresh currants and berries. Tightly wound and juicy, with medium to full body and a lengthy, slightly peppery finish. Fine-grained and evenly packed. Drink from 2027.

The 2022 La Tour de Mons is marred by strong vanillin notes, awkward sweetness and unyielding contours. Needless to say, this is quite a disappointment relative to what I tasted en primeur. Two bottles tasted with consistent notes.

Blackberries and cocoa, accompanied by a hint of roses and licorice, are evident on the nose. Medium-bodied, vibrant, and chewy, the finish is fresh and invigorating, with a minty edge to the chocolate and red fruits on the endnote. The blend is 57% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025 to 2042.

Dark ruby garnet colour, purple reflections, delicate ochre rim. Delicate herbal savouriness, dark wild berries, a hint of precious wood, a hint of black cherries and vanilla. Juicy, fresh acidity, red cherries, ripe tannins, a lively, stimulating food wine. (25/1, PM).

The 2022 Château La Tour De Mons is a blend of 57% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. It’s a beautifully ripe Margaux offering notes of red and blue fruits, rose petals, and background spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied, it’s beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and an elegant, seamless mouthfeel. Aged in 20% new oak for 12 months, it’s a classic, well-made Margaux that should evolve gracefully over the next 15+ years.

This is a brilliant Tour de Mons, really succulent, with edges of violet and roses, loganberry and cranberry. Creamy smoked caramel makes things just a touch overly sweet, but there is juice and grip and skilful winemaking. One to look out for, great value. 58ha vineyard now owned by Nathalie Perrodo, Marjolaine de Coninck CEO and technical director. Single point upscore.

A rich, hedonistic nose where toasted oak wraps around the dark fruit. On the palate, a suave texture and a confident presence.