Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Merlot (46%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Dark ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of ripe blue and black fruit, graphite, violets, light oak and crushed gravel. Flavors of black cherry/berry/currant fruit, blueberries, tobacco and savory herbs. Touch of spice on the medium-plus length savory finish. Medium bodied and softened tannins. Bright acidity and well balanced. — 4 days ago

Paul J

9.2

PnP. Solid. Fairly complex with good fruit and terroir. Nothing that really wowed me. — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

vintage 2019 | Cinnamon and brushwood, for me surprisingly soft, beautiful — 5 months ago

Robert Stackowiak

8.9

A red blend mostly Grenache fruity on the palate. April 2026. — 6 months ago

Chris MacLean

9.1

More focused than the 2015 as you might expect. Integrated butterscotch and rocks. — 8 months ago

with Sarah

Andy@andyberke.com

8.9

Solid. Some terroir — 9 months ago

Ashish Pant

9.0

Let is open/ waited 3 hours, next day was even better balance of tannins and fruit, Go For It! — 9 months ago

Jas G

9.2

On dryer side — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.6

[Back label says 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, and then (in a burst of French mathematical genius), the remaining 30% (hey, that’s what the label actually says), Malbec, Merlot, Syra (their spelling), Canernet Franc, Pinot (unspecified which Pinot??), and Tannat] OK, not trying to goof on the winery or the importer (uh, KLWM!?!?), but weird math and unclear varietal composition is kinda just odd, at best, or just weird?!?!?’ Production was 75,000 bouteilles, 1,400 magnums, 100 jeroboams, and 25 mathusalems (their spelling, not mine)??!!
OK, first whiff, I could honestly care less what the actual grape cepage is, tons of garrigue, but at age 40 still quite fresh, most of the tannic structure has faded away, but this shows those awesome tertiary notes, along with clear bottle sweetness, which makes these older bottles so amazing and, frankly, compelling to drink!! Great southern French wine from the Pays de l’Herault, super long finish, WOW!!! — a month ago

with Jim

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

vintage 2019 | Awesome balance, wonderful scent with spicyness — 5 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

vintage 2016 | True to type Sauternes | paired with apple crumble — 7 months ago

Jess

9.0

Deep ruby color.
Aromas of cherry, cocoa,
Dry. Flavors of ripe black cherry, cocoa, peppercorn, subtle olive note developing, hint of baking spice. Rich, velvety tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 9 months ago

Thomas Hillskog

9.1

Peak maturity now better than 2 and 4 years ago. Still fruity but with more complexity an soft tannins. — 9 months ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.0

Inex and gut. — 9 months ago

Ruud Verhagen

9.0

needs much more cellar-time…90+ — 3 months ago

Michael Bontà

9.5

Clear pale salmon. Medium + intensity on the nose with strawberry, blood orange, geranium leaf, pink grapefruit, tomato leaf, white peach. On the palate dry, medium + acidity, medium + intensity medium body, long finish and medium alcohol with notes of grapefruit, red cherry, grass, white peach and something plastic that I can't quite identify but isn't undesirable. Outstanding wine and fun to drink on its own without food. Creamy and sophisticated — 3 months ago

Ming L

9.4

The nose opens with waves of ripe black cherry, cassis, plum liqueur, and dark chocolate Beneath the opulence lies impressive complexity with hints of espresso, violets, and peppery spice emerge gradually with air. The palate is dense and supple, showing warmth and generosity. Plenty of nuance beneath the lavish fruit.

Possibly the best value for a St-Emilion GCC. Will need to seek out more. — 5 months ago

Michael Amoruso

9.2

2018 vintage. Cooked pineapple. Toasted coconut. Dry lemon curd. Just sweet enough. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château La Tour de Bessan Margaux 2022 — Margaux, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Left Bank blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon · 30% Merlot · 5% Petit Verdot (estate typically varies slightly by vintage) delivering structure, elegance, and aromatic finesse. Great frame and graphite tension coming from the Cab Sauv., mid-palate polish thanks to Merlot, and liked how Petit Verdot brings subtle spice and color depth. A beautifully traditional, unclassified Margaux that punches above its weight.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, blackberry, cassis, violet, pencil shavings, cedar, light tobacco, and crushed stone. Fruit stays fresh and pure with delicate floral lift typical of the appellation.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished, fine-grained tannins. Dry, linear, and elegant rather than powerful. Balanced acidity keeps everything lifted and graceful with a clean, savory finish.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken with herbs, grilled lamb chops, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lentils, Comté or aged goat cheese. A very food-friendly claret.

Verdict
Proof that Margaux elegance doesn’t require classified growth pricing. Refined, honest, and beautifully composed. Delicious now with air, but easily cellar-worthy for 6–10 years.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is my kind of “weekday Bordeaux”, structured yet graceful, polished without heaviness. The sort of bottle that quietly disappears over dinner because everything just clicks.

Did You Know?
La Tour de Bessan is run by Marie-Laure Lurton (of the Lurton family estates) and is known for crafting textbook, terroir-driven Margaux expressions that emphasize finesse over extraction. — 9 months ago

Gladys Xiques

9.0

Easy to drink and enjoy. Pair with food or don’t. You get it. It works as a table wine or if you need a glass after work. — 3 years ago