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Xavier Milhade Wines

Château Tour Bayard 2022

Montagne Saint-Emilion

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Château Tour Bayard is a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend from Montagne-Saint-Émilion, offering punchy fruit, refined tannins, and seductive aromas, enhanced by malolactic fermentation in barrique. The 25-acre estate has been in the Richard family since 1956 and became part of the Milhade portfolio through the marriage of Elodie Milhade and Julien Richard. Now regarded as one of the top estates in the appellation, Tour Bayard reflects a more modern style while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Julien oversees the vineyard with a focus on sustainability.

VINEYARD

The soils here are a mix of clay and limestone marl, and the vineyard is planted in a beautifully situated natural amphitheater with an ideal southerly exposure. Merlot is the predominant variety, accounting for 80% of the vignoble, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Malbec; the vines are about 40 years old on average. The Richard family works the soils organically, eschewing pesticides and other chemical treatments. The Malbec is generally bottled as a separate cuvée.

WINEMAKING

At harvest, the grapes are 100% destemmed and crushed before being placed in temperature controlled vats. Each parcel on the estate is vinified separately, and the wine is raised for 12 months in a combination of cement tanks (60%) and new and second fill barrels (20% each). The finished wine is supple and full-bodied, with excellent ripeness, and refined aromatics from the Cabernet Franc. The wine is then aged in a combination of cement vats and first and second use barriques for 12 months.

VINTAGE

The 2022 Bordeaux vintage shines with ripe, concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and fine tannins, reflecting a warm, dry growing season and balanced harvest.

TASTING NOTE

Tour Bayard is relatively modern in style, with refined tannins, punchy fruit, and seductive aromas enhanced by malolactic fermentation in barrique.

Color

Red

Blend %

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

Appellation

Montagne Saint-Emilion

Certifications

ORGANIC (NO CERT)

Farming

HVE 3 Sustainable, Certified I

Alcohol

14%

Suggested Retail Price

$29

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Château Tour Bayard

Xavier Milhade Wines Château Tour Bayard 2022 Label

Château Tour Bayard Bottle Shot

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