2016 is the first vintage of this estate, owned by ex-flying winemaker Anne-Laure Sicard. Impressive beginning for this blend of old vine Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Spicy and layered, with serious ripe tannin structure and good acidity. Nice length too. And 2017 is even better. An estate to watch. — 2 years ago
Bright fresh Chardonnay for Thanksgiving- ripe apple and lemon curd, a touch of whipped cream. Palate is fresh with plenty of juicy lemony acidity, and a touch of creaminess. Totally balanced and drinkable, will certainly revisit. — 4 years ago
2020 vintage. Tour de Rieux is one of the 5 estates owned by the Fabre family in the Languedoc. Claire Fabre inheritated this Minervois estate in 2016. The vineyards are situated in the Laure Minervois, a pretender to the crown of specific "Cru" in the Languedoc. A very good effort in the "no added sulfites " category that is often more error than trial. It is light and refreshing with a nice spicy finish. Lovely, if simple. Abv. 13,5%. — 5 months ago
Too young to drink at this time, hold it. — 2 years ago
Acquired in 1973 by Lucien Lurton, today the Château de Villegeorge belongs to his daughter, Marie-Laure, Oenologist, working at domain since 1986. Rich berry aromas with floral and spices, very pleasant. On the palate blueberry and wild berry flavors with licorice and toasty oak notes. Lingering rich finish on soft juicy tannins, drinking well and still has room to go. Very Nice. — 3 years ago
2018 vintage. Marie Laure Lurton is one of the 10 children of Lucien Lurton and she owns Château Villegeorge (Haut-Médoc) and this Château La Tour de Bessan. Both are very good and refined. The 2018 La Tour de Bessan (named after 13th century tower on the estate that is being restaured) is a blend of 60 % Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and a rather high (11%) percentage of Petit Verdot. Dark red. In the nose a mix of red and black fruit, cedar and Petit Verdot violet. Margaux is mostly associated with elegance and this is a good example. The fruit is bright, the tannins are well-tamed and the acidity provides juiciness and balance. Intelligent winemaking with just the right extraction. Great value at 18 euros. Abv. 14,5 % but perfectly integrated. Another lovely 2018. — a year ago
To fully understand the Lurton family one needs to be a professional genealogist, but if you meet a Lurton in Bordeaux it would be safe to bet she/he is involved in wine business. Marie-Laure is one of the 10 children of Lucien Lurton, and she owns Chateau de Villegeorge in Haut-Médoc and Tour de Bessan in Margaux. Villegeorge 2010 is blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (79%) and Merlot (21%). Attractive nose of cassis, cedar wood and violets. Still plenty of very ripe fruit at 10 years old, good concentration and length. Fine value today at 28 euro. — 2 years ago
I liked it a lot — 3 years ago
Mary Phillips
Dry, but some floral notes. Very nice. Dider says good with white meat. — a month ago