La Tour de Bessan Margaux 2020 375ml

94 points James Suckling: "Currants, black cherries, and spices. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine and polished tannins and an extremely long, flavorful finish. Give this three or four years to come together, but lovely structure. Best ever? (11/23/22)"

91-93 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "Yet another Lurton property, the focus of this estate is the Tour de Bessan, a historic monument the history of which is connected to several well-known cru classé estates in the appellation. Marie-Laure Lurton is in charge here, working from a very modern winery a short walk from Château Brane-Cantenac. The first thing I notice is the colour, a swirling inky violet-black hue, while the aromatics seem fairly hunkered down, with delicate threads of smoky-toasty currant, grilled meat, violets and rose petals. It has charm, and this comes across on the palate, with a rather understated beginning, but a nice composure in the midpalate, broad, substantial, gently textured, but with plenty of energy and drive. The tannins feel softly composed and well integrated in the wine, the overall structure classical, but with plenty of deeply buried substance, and a fresh, left-bank frame. The finish provides a flurry of black olive and currant fruits, washed through by the acidity. This is a good showing for this barrel sample, a wine with potential. Well done Marie Laure! The alcohol is declared as 13.5%. (Apr 2021)"

92 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(61% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot). Attractive plum colour, an enticing nose with black cherry, damson and a kiss of oak. The palate opens with chocolate drops and cassis puree, silky tannins, well balanced. This is a wine that I find sometimes inconsistent between vintages, but it's a great quality 2020 with some appellation signature, good expansion through the mid palate, a little tight on the finish but in the way that makes you feel this is young and will soften further over ageing. Vignobles Marie-Laure Lurton, Eric Boissenot consultant. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2026-2038. (11/27/23)"

92 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Delicate tobacco, fresh cassis, red cherries, a hint of tangerine zest, fine noble wood spices. Juicy, elegant, fine nougat, ripe cherries, integrated tannins, fresh and well balanced, will certainly mature with age. (5/28/21)"

90-92 points Jeb Dunnuck: " An impressive Margaux, the 2020 Château La Tour De Bessan is loaded with red and black fruits as well as spicy oak, lead pencil, and violets, with medium-bodied richness, terrific overall balance, integrated tannins, and a solid mid-palate, it should certainly be an outstanding wine and offer 10-15 years or more of prime drinking. (5/23/21)"

90 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2020 La Tour de Bessan is very, very good. A blast of dark cherry fruit, smoke, licorice, blackberry and espresso races across the palate. The 2020 is dark and brooding, yet retains a mid-weight sense of structure. There is certainly plenty to like. Drink: 2023-2030. (Feb 2023)"

90 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "La Tour de Bessan 2020 is deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up notes of stewed red and black plums, boysenberries, and fragrant soil, with touches of lavender and wild thyme. The medium-bodied palate offers compelling energy, with plenty of vibrant black fruits and a soft texture, finishing with a skip in its step. (3/13/23)"

90 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Fresh, bright, forward wine with a lean to its tobacco, red currants, mocha and spicy side. The wine is medium-bodied, energetic and floral with ample, juicy red fruits and savory herbs on the palate and in the finish. This is a solid value wine from the Margaux appellation. Drink from 2023-2036. (3/21/23)"