Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Tour de Pez - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Tour de Pez 2019 from the prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation in the Médoc region is a classic example of a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2019 vintage benefits from an excellent year where balanced ripeness and vibrant acidity came together seamlessly. The wine displays a deep ruby colour and an enticing aromatics profile of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and subtle tobacco, underpinned by earthy and mineral undertones so typical of its terroir. The vinification process carefully preserves fruit intensity while integrating refined oak, resulting in a well-structured palate with firm yet elegant tannins and a lingering, savoury finish.

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the major Médoc appellations and is famed for its robust, age-worthy red wines. The vineyards rest upon gravelly soils with a significant presence of clay, contributing to the appellation's signature depth and power. The proximity to the Gironde estuary helps moderate temperatures, protecting vines from extreme cold and fostering optimal ripening conditions. Saint-Estèphe boasts a long history, with viticulture dating back centuries and its Cru Bourgeois classification attesting to the estate's consistent quality.

Pairing the Château Tour de Pez 2019 is a pleasure, as its structure and depth allow it to enhance a variety of dishes. Traditional French cuisine, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise (ribeye steak with a red wine sauce), lamb shoulder roasted with garlic and rosemary, or confit de canard, makes excellent companions. For a regional touch, slow-cooked beef with ceps or a hearty mushroom gratin will resonate beautifully with the wine’s earthy undertones. Mature cheeses, especially hard varieties like Comté or aged Gouda, also create a harmonious pairing.

For the best experience, serve this wine at 16-18°C after decanting for at least one hour to soften the tannins and allow the complex bouquet to unfold. Given its structure, Château Tour de Pez 2019 can be enjoyed now with suitable aeration or cellared for five to eight years to develop further tertiary nuances.