Château La Tour De Bessan 'La Petite Tour de Bessan', Margaux, Bordeaux, France 2020

This property has its origins in a 13th-century tower in Soussans. Today, all that remains of this ancient stronghold, designed to protect Lord Jehan Colomb during his visits to his lands, are mere vestiges. The building remained in the Colomb family until 1390 followed by a succession of illustrious local families. In 1972, Lucien Lurton bought the tower and vineyard from the Clauzel family. The new owner set about establishing the winery while overseeing his other properties. In 1992, his daughter Marie-Laure took over management. With a degree in oenology and 6 years' experience on her father's estates, she knows every plot on the estate inside out.

• WINEMAKER: Marie-Laure Lurton
• FARMING: Organic
• VARIETY: 77% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot
• TERROIR: Pyrenean gravel & clay
• VINIFICATION: Natural yeast fermentation, thermo-regulated vats, and 12 months aging in French oak barrels. 
• TASTING NOTES: On the nose, the wine offers up aromas of mandarin liqueur, apricot, peach, lemon curd, white flowers and sweet spicy scents of vanilla with hints of oak and a pastry note. Very rich and generous on the palate, yet retaining wonderful acidity. This wine is characterized by a balanced style and beautifully lingering finish.