The Producer
Located in the heart of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, Château Tour des Termes finds its origins in the Middle Ages, when a watchtower overlooked the estuary of the Gironde and marked the territorial boundaries ("terms"). The property has since been structured over the centuries, before being sustainably developed by the Anney family, who have owned it for more than five generations. This long family history has shaped the identity of the estate, which has become a regular reference among the bourgeois crus of the Médoc.
The vineyard rests on the great terroirs of Bordeaux, blending deep gravel and clay, characteristic of Saint-Estèphe. The Cabernet Sauvignon structures the blends, complemented by Merlot, as well as Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This diversity of soils and grape varieties allows for the production of powerful, straight wines designed for aging, while maintaining a certain freshness typical of the appellation.
Since 2023, the estate has experienced a true renaissance with its acquisition by the O’Connor family, initially led by Irish entrepreneur Eddie O’Connor. This acquisition marks a strategic turning point, with a strong desire to combine Bordeaux heritage and a contemporary vision of wine. The transition has been smooth with the retention of the existing team, particularly around Julien Brustis, tasked with driving a new qualitative and stylistic dynamic. The project is clearly aligned with a sustainable logic and forward-looking approach, with significant investments (eco-responsible winery, new plantings, diversification of cuvées) and an ambition to adapt the vineyard to climate challenges.
Today, Château Tour des Termes thus embodies a property in full evolution: true to its structured and classic Saint-Estèphe identity, but driven by a new energy aimed at modernizing its style, expanding its range, and appealing to a new generation of enthusiasts.
The Wine
Soil: 1/3 Gravel - 2/3 Clay-Limestone
Blend: 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot
Average age of the vines: 40 years
Aging: 15 months in barrels, of which 50% are new barrels
Tasting
Hachette Guide: "A lively 2021, well-structured, with a flattering nose blending oak spices with a tangy fruitiness. On the palate, one notes the finesse of the texture, the firm yet fine tannins, the slender body, and this lively and flavorful finish, smoky and balsamic. A straight and age-worthy wine."