Château Tour des Termes Saint-Estèphe 2018

Introduction

Château Tour des Termes Saint-Estèphe 2018 is a classic and robust red wine that exemplifies the powerful and distinctive character of its esteemed Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux. Located in the northern Médoc, Saint-Estèphe is renowned for its gravelly and clay soils, which contribute to wines of significant structure, intensity, and longevity, often dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Château Tour des Termes, a well-regarded Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, is committed to expressing this unique terroir through meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking. The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was widely celebrated, yielding wines of impressive richness, concentration, and ripe tannins, making this Tour des Termes a compelling and authentic example of its appellation’s excellence and a wine with considerable aging potential.

Character Description

The Château Tour des Termes Saint-Estèphe 2018 displays a deep, opaque ruby-purple hue, indicative of its concentration and youth. It offers an intensely aromatic and generous bouquet of ripe dark fruits—blackcurrant, cassis, and black cherry—elegantly interwoven with classic Médoc notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite, and a subtle hint of damp earth and dark chocolate from its judicious oak aging. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and beautifully structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit and savory flavors mirroring the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet beautifully refined tannins that provide excellent backbone and a long, persistent finish, balanced by a vibrant acidity that ensures freshness and remarkable precision. The finish is powerful, nuanced, and gracefully aromatic, leaving a lingering impression of rich fruit, classic Bordeaux complexity, and impressive depth, indicative of its potential to evolve.

Perfect Pairings

This structured and commanding Saint-Estèphe is an exceptional partner for traditional French cuisine and other robust, hearty dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled prime cuts of beef such as ribeye or sirloin, or game meats like venison and wild boar. Its firm tannins and complex savory notes also make it an ideal accompaniment to rich stews, mushroom-based dishes, and a variety of aged, firm cheeses such as Comté, mature Gouda, or sharp Cheddar. The wine’s approachable power and significant aging potential make it a fantastic choice for a formal dinner, a special occasion, or for those who appreciate the evolving beauty and classic profile of a well-crafted Left Bank Bordeaux. Decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended to allow its full expression.

About the Winery

Château Tour des Termes is a distinguished Cru Bourgeois Supérieur estate located in the northern part of Saint-Estèphe. The winery has been owned by the Anney family for several generations, who have dedicated themselves to preserving the authenticity of their terroir while embracing modern winemaking techniques. Their philosophy centers on meticulous vineyard management, with vines averaging 35 years old, benefiting from the appellation’s unique gravelly and clay soils. The blend typically features a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Château Tour des Termes is committed to producing wines that are classic expressions of Saint-Estèphe: powerful, well-structured, and built for graceful aging, offering both immediate enjoyment and long-term complexity.