Imported Red Wines

Tour de Mons lies in the north of Margaux, and dates back to the 13th century. Its wines have always stuck out in the Margaux landscape for the right reasons: their classicism sets them apart. For some time they have pleased a faithful crowd of customers (those finding more value in a silky Margaux than robust Pauillac). Athough the Estate does not generally command high scores from the usual suspects, the quality needs to be placed in context. If critics were to judge the Aston Martin DB5 by today’s standard, it would probably seem clunky and under appointed, yet still the most graceful vehicle on the road. Just like Tour de Mons’ restrained vintage elegance – this is Bordeaux classicism in a glass! A blend of 56% Merlot & 38% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance made up in Petit Verdot.

Opaque black purple colour with bright purple red hue. Nosing reveals fresh ripe blackcurrant and dark cherry top notes followed by some cedar, earth and spice. Medium bodied with an elegant structured mouthfeel the palate possesses plenty of rich blackcurrant flavours over a background of cedar, light earth and spice. Dryish solid but fine grained tannins provide the framework and impart some chewiness on the finish. Medium to long ripe blackcurrant, earthy cedar and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years (2020-2022).
Alc 14.0%

Other Reviews...

...has power in reserve, but stays remarkably restrained for now, with a torrent of boysenberry, fig and raspberry fruit held in check by charcoal-studded grip and well-embedded acidity. The long, dense smoked apple wood finish should let this cruise nicely in the cellar.
93
Wine Spectator 

Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. there is no minimum order
2. all wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment in full is required at time of order to secure these wines at the Pre-Arrival pricing.
4. The wines are being shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in August 2014
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. errors and omissions excepted.
7. delivery charges may apply - these can be determined at http://www.nicks.com.au/australian-freight

Other Reviews....
Well executed, ripe and fairly open fruit that flirts just a touch with vanilla bean. Contemporary, rich and highly appealing, this will make for good early to medium drinking wine.
89 points
Decanter

Full yet tight and tannic with a polished texture and a chewy finish. Lively and intense.
92-93 points
James Suckling

The 2016 La Tour de Bessan is plump, forward and absolutely delicious. Made in a juicy, fruit-driven style, the 2016 is not the last word in complexity, but it is tasty and should drink well with minimal cellaring. Sweet tobacco, earth and herbal notes add aromatic lift to the plush red fruit in this succulent, inviting midweight Margaux. Tasted two times.
87-90 points
Vinous

Other Reviews...
The 2015 Deyrem Valentin has a lifted bouquet with dark cherries, blueberry and touches of iodine, quite opulent for this Margaux estate that I have been following closely for more than a decade. The palate is medium-bodied, soaked in plush red berry fruit, blueberry and a dash of spice. There is real swagger to this Margaux, probably earlier drinking than many of its peers, but its caressing texture will please many over the next 15-20 years. Give this relatively less-known Margaux a try.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com #224 (Apr 2016) 

Fine florality and red fruits of firmness and depth. Good class and good future.
89 points
Decanter 

This wine is all about swathes of black and red fruit that are nicely sustained by dusty tannins. It has a really fresh character that is not contradicted by the dry core.
91-93 points
Wine Enthusiast 

Other Reviews....
This estate vineyard is full of modern sculptures that are collected by the owner. The wine shows fine, smooth tannins and a dark texture that gives it great long-term potential. It is a beautifully made wine: firm where it needs to be and with fine fruitiness. It will be ready in 2027.
92-94 points
Wine Enthusiast

Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:

1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Once received, all orders will be confirmed with suppliers and then an invoice issued - payment will be due on receipt of this invoice.
4. The wines are being shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2019.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.

Other Reviews...
Good Cabernet-dominated fruit of purity and grip. Good future.
89 points
Decanter 

This is a big wine in many ways, with its dark tannins and powerful structure. It is full and generous, replete with black-fruit flavors. The finish is soft and rich.
92-94 points
Wine Enthusiast

Conditions of Pre-Arrival Offer:

1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Once received, all orders will be confirmed with suppliers and stock availability will be subject to final confirmation.
4. The wines are being shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2018.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.

An English enclave in Margaux, Cantenac Brown is a Tudor style chateau designed by animal painter John Lewis Brown in the 19th century. Fast forward to 2013, Simon Halabi now owns the 42 Ha Margaux estate producing the 3rd growth Grand Vin as well as 2nd wine "Brio" and 3rd wine "Sijac".

Brio's varietal mix is exactly the same as Cantenac Brown - 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, with the same care taken in the vineyard as the Grand Vin (shoot thinning, leaf plucking and bunch thinning). Brio is hand harvested with two sets of sorting, fermented in thermo regulated stainless steel tanks and matured in the same cooperage mix as the grand vin. In fact, the only significant difference with the Grand Vin lies in the careful monitoring and recording of the vegetative cycle during the growing season to determine the limits between first and second tiers within the sub blocks of the 42 Ha vineyard. Produced in lesser quantities than the Grand Vin, Brio sells at less than half the price of its darling brother. Yet, in some respects, it could be argued that it's even more desirable!

Totally opaque black crimson colour with deep dark crimson red hue. The nose shows lifted notes of violets and blackcurrant followed by some dark mulberry, tobacco, earthy cedar and light spice. Mid weight with elegant and refined flavours of dark mulberry, cedar, earthy tobacco and spice. Fine grained, yet dry dusty tannin structure. Medium to long aftertaste of dark ripe mulberry, earthy tobacco and spicy cedar.
Cellar 6-8 years (2019-2021).
Alc 13.0%

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