Description
Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours is managed by fifth generation growers: their vineyards are certified biodynamic, their wines are easy drinking young, and they offer outstanding value for money.
Lying on the right bank of the Gironde, directly opposite the renowned Medoc communes of Margaux, St-Julien and Pauillac, despite their proximity to such hallowed real estate, the viticultural picture could hardly be more different here; the flat, orderly communes of the left bank give way to an undulating, pastoral landscape and the rows of manicured Cabernet becomes a blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc. The legendary gravel of the Medoc also finds itself replaced by a complex mesh of limestone, sand, gravel and iron-rich clays.
Tasting Note
Biodynamic, indigenous ferment and aged without any new oak, this fragrant, supple red is bohemian by Bordeaux’s typical measure. The blend is 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec, drawn from Pey-Bon’s biodynamically-certified limestone and clay soils in the Premières Côtes de Blaye (on the right bank overlooking the Gironde estuary). Wild yeast fermented, the majority is fermented and aged in concrete, with 10% fermented and raised in 2-3 year old oak. The wine was then bottled unfiltered. It is a world away from the old stereotype of Bordeaux – full of energy and freshness, this is a wonderfully vibrant red, with waves of lip-smacking redcurrant and cherry fruit, fine tannins and serious drinkability. Drinking really well now, it will only get better in 1-3 years. Regardless, with a steak or some lamb chops, it’s going to disappear in a heartbeat.