Having been listed among the very first wine rankings of Bordeaux doesn’t even scratch the historic surface of Château Tour Marcillanet. This château, and the vineyard that surrounds it, was first constructed in the medieval era. Although numerous renovations and replantings have occurred over the centuries, the historic charm of this site has not been lost. Owners Marc and Claire Ponsar, who acquired the estate in 1991, have worked hard to preserve its humble beginnings, while simultaneously vaulting its wines back into the upper echelons of Bordeaux. Today, only a handful of workers run this 16-hectare operation, with old vines dug deep into these gravelly soils. In 2010, grapes were harvested and subjected to a three-week fermentation before spending 18 months in French barrels, 20% new. 

Château Tour Marcillanet pours a deep garnet, moving out to a variegated brick red rim. Rose petals dominate the florality on the nose, before quickly melding into layers of ripe currant, raspberries, and cherries. As it opens, further notes come out of hiding: baked clay, gravel, savory herbs, bay leaf, tobacco, cigar wrapper, leather, and a smattering of sweet baking spices. A ‘comfortable’ medium bodied, this is 2010 Bordeaux at its most integrated. For its eight years of age, this is as supple and soft as they come—blowing away all competitors in this price range. Many Bordeaux values can be somewhat harsh and unwelcoming, even with proper age under their belt, but you’ll only discover a silky smooth, red-fruited, spice-tinged palate here. Soft-shouldered tannins and building acidity provides wonderful freshness throughout with vibrant notes of red-black fruit and persisting crushed rock/earth minerality. This wine can easily withstand more cellaring—up to ten more years—but it’s enjoying the prime of its life as we speak. After a 15-20 minute decant, pour into large Bordeaux stems and serve alongside slow-roasted lamb shanks to boost this graceful, complex, and savory Bordeaux gem. Cheers!