Viniou Reviews
Château Tour de Ségur 2011 hails from the prestigious Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, situated in the Libournais area of Bordeaux. This red wine is primarily crafted from Merlot, which thrives in this region, often accompanied by varying proportions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2011 vintage is noted for its elegance and more restrained style, a result of a challenging growing season marked by an early spring, a cool summer, and careful selection during harvest. Vinification here typically involves traditional fermentations in stainless steel or cement vats followed by ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity while retaining the fruit's intrinsic character.
The Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation benefits from the rich heritage of Bordeaux's Right Bank. The area is celebrated for its clay-limestone soils, which provide excellent drainage and mineral sustenance, allowing Merlot to express roundness, plush fruit, and nuanced earthy notes. The climate is temperate and oceanic, with moderate rainfall and the Gironde estuary’s tempering effect, all contributing to balanced ripening and fresh acidity. Saint-Émilion itself is etched in wine history, with its hilltop town and medieval heritage, underscoring the quality pedigree of its satellite appellations like Lussac.
On the table, Château Tour de Ségur 2011 will shine alongside classic regional dishes such as confit de canard or entrecôte bordelaise with a rich shallot and red wine sauce. Its finely structured tannins and red-fruited core make it a lovely match for roasted lamb, game, or earthy lentil and mushroom-based dishes. Hard cheeses such as Cantal or Comté will also complement its savoury profile.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for about an hour to allow its aromas to unfurl. Serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C to appreciate its layered bouquet of redcurrant, plum, tobacco, and a gentle touch of oak. This 2011 vintage is drinking beautifully now, offering elegance, freshness, and a classic Bordeaux sensibility.
