I recall considerable praise heaped on the 2005 Chateau Tour St. Bonnet, but found it a bit flat for the vintage. And now I’m hearing the same or even higher praise for the 2010 version, so I picked up a few.
I have had 2 bottles in the past week. This wine is a winner. All the hallmarks of a great vintage, classic in structure, nice delineation between the crisp, tangy red fruits and the slightly sweeter dark fruits. Additional notes of charcoal and cedar on the nose, black licorice on the palate. Chewy, as expected, a bit coarse and chalky, but I expect that to resolve. The tannins have a sweetness to them, which softens the coarseness a bit. An equal split of merlot and Cab, then cut with 10% petite verdot. Really enjoyed this wine tonight with a grilled ribeye.
I have limited history with this estate, so cannot prognosticate on where this wine will go, but my glowing review is on the “now”. And the now is, this stuff is yummy. I see this wine evolving very well for 5+ or more years. I’m ordering a lot more for daily drinkers and will set some aside for the mid-term and perhaps a couple for long-term for the sake of science. (89 pts.)