Chateau Tour Perey Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2020

Discover a remarkable treasure from Bordeaux's Right Bank with Château Tour Perey Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. This distinguished wine showcases the exceptional character that can only come from vines averaging an astonishing 70 years of age, growing in the prestigious terroir of Saint-Émilion.

Tasting Profile Deep garnet-ruby with purple highlights, this classic Saint-Émilion presents an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cassis layered with complex notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, and subtle violet florals. The limestone terroir expresses itself through a refined mineral undercurrent and hints of graphite. On the palate, concentrated flavors of dark plum, black raspberry, and blackcurrant meld seamlessly with nuances of vanilla, toasted oak, leather, and forest floor. Full-bodied yet elegantly balanced, with impressive structure provided by polished tannins and refreshing acidity, leading to a persistent finish where fruit, earth, and oak components harmonize beautifully, showcasing the wine's impressive depth and refinement.

Winemaker Notes Produced at Chateau Tour Perey, located on the limestone plateau and slopes of Saint-Émilion, this Grand Cru exemplifies the estate's commitment to expressing the unique terroir of this prestigious appellation. The vineyard's clay-limestone soils contribute significantly to the wine's structure and mineral complexity. Predominantly Merlot (approximately 80%) with complementary Cabernet Franc, the grapes undergo careful selection before traditional vinification. Aging takes place in French oak barrels (30-40% new) for approximately 15-18 months, allowing the wine to develop complexity while maintaining fruit purity and terroir expression.

Vintage Notes The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux represents the third in an exceptional trilogy (2018-2019-2020), characterized by a warm, dry growing season balanced by sufficient water reserves from spring rains. Summer heat spikes were moderated by cooler nights during the crucial ripening period, particularly beneficial for the earlier-ripening Merlot. This resulted in grapes with optimal phenolic ripeness, concentrated flavors, and preserved freshness. The Right Bank, especially Saint-Émilion, produced wines of remarkable balance, showcasing ripe fruit character while maintaining the elegance and structure that defines this prestigious appellation.

Suggested Pairings

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb
• Duck breast with cherry reduction
• Prime rib or ribeye steak
• Wild mushroom dishes
• Game meats such as venison or pheasant
• Aged Comté or other hard mountain cheeses

Technical Details

• Region: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
• Varietal: Approximately 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
• Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
• Aging: 15-18 months in French oak barrels
• Contains sulfites

Cellaring While offering pleasure in its youth, this wine will benefit significantly from aging, with optimal drinking window extending from 2025-2035. Properly cellared bottles will continue to evolve, gaining additional complexity as tertiary aromas develop and tannins further integrate.