2020 La Tour de By (Medoc)

Love this estate, worth seeking out in exceptional vintages as it is less consistent in the more challenging years. Charming in 2020, earthy, well-balanced, slate, bilberry and brambled fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon character on the attack, not huge length, medium weight, Drink in three to five years. Old school claret. 88 points

The 2020 La Tour de By is now less ferrous on the nose, well knit with delineated blackberry and briary scents, and a nuanced floral element in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, well-judged acidity, fine cohesion with an attractive graphite-tinged finish. Very fine. 89 points

The 2020 La Tour de By is a powerful, explosive Medoc. A blast of dark cherry, leather, smoke, tobacco, incense and grilled herbs opens first. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates both the flavor profile and structural feel. There is certainly much to like, but a few years in the cellar seems warranted. 91 points