The 2019 Château Tour de Gilet “Expression de Petit Verdot” Bordeaux Supérieur is a shining example of how traditional Left Bank savoir-faire meets modern small-producer precision. The estate lies in Ludon-Médoc, just south of Margaux and neighboring the classified growth Château La Lagune, on land first cultivated in the 12th century as part of the Abbey of Gilet. The property sits on a matrix of gravel and clay soils threaded with historic drainage canals called jalles, which promote deep vine rooting and natural concentration in the fruit. Run by the renowned oenologist Claude Gaudin, who also crafts wines for Château Barreyre, Laronde Desormes, and Maurac, Tour de Gilet has quietly earned a reputation as one of the finest Petits Châteaux in the Médoc. Gaudin farms the estate sustainably, maintaining a small six-hectare vineyard planted primarily to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, with vine age averaging 30 years. For this special cuvée, the winemaking spotlights Petit Verdot—a rare Bordeaux variety prized for its deep color, fragrance, and structural intensity.

Vinified with natural yeasts and aged 16–18 months in a combination of stainless steel and oak, the 2019 Expression de Petit Verdot represents both innovation and homage to classical Médoc structure. The vintage itself was excellent across Bordeaux—warm, dry, and consistent—producing wines that combine density with freshness. This particular bottling showcases the spicy, violet-tinged aromatics and dense blackberry core typical of Petit Verdot, balanced by the supple tannins and ripe elegance Gaudin coaxes from his low-yield vines. With its saturated ruby hue, lively acidity, and mineral edge from the gravel terroir, it’s both modern and traditional—a wine that invites immediate enjoyment but will also develop over 5–8 years in bottle.

Why You'll Love It

• A rare Médoc-focused Expression de Petit Verdot, delivering depth, floral perfume, and dark-fruited intensity.

• Produced under the guidance of renowned oenologist Claude Gaudin, whose small estates rival classified growth quality.

• Sustainably farmed and naturally vinified, combining terroir transparency with a polished, classic Bordeaux texture.

How To Serve It

• Serve at 60–62°F after 30 minutes of decanting to soften structure and highlight aromatics.

• Pair with grilled lamb, duck breast, or beef in herb-rich sauces—the Petit Verdot loves savory depth.

• Enjoy now for its youthful vibrancy, or cellar through 2030 for greater complexity and integration.