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.

The 2017 Tour Saint Christophe is a dense, richly constituted wine loaded with tremendous energy and pure 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.

A friendly style, with soft, forward plum and cherry fruit flavors, infused with moderate vanilla, tea and anise hints. A toasty edge lingers on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2024. 3,750 cases made.