Tour Bayard is relatively modern in style, with refined tannins, punchy fruit, and seductive aromas enhanced by malolactic fermentation in barrique. Bright, savory and super-expressive, the mid-weight Tour Bayard is a terrific model of classicism. Time in the glass brings out hints of dark cherry, tobacco, earthiness and leather. Fine but persistent tannins lead into the nervy, vibrant finish. Merlot 80 %, Cabernet franc 20 %. 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. A rainy winter followed cool spring weather and inconsistent flowering, but the summer weather was dry and warm with even temperatures through harvest. Bordeaux’s Right Bank did exceptionally well, and Merlot and Cabernet Franc were particularly successful.The wines are rich, full, and savory, with ripe acidity and round, sweet tannins – an excellent vintage for the cellar, which nonetheless can be enjoyed young for its exuberant fruit.