Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux – Where Medieval Heritage Meets Modern Margaux Excellence

Updated → October 2025

This prestigious Margaux estate, dating to 1098, crafts exceptionally elegant Bordeaux wines from 58 hectares of prime gravel terroir. Blending predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines showcase signature violet aromatics and silky tannins that define Margaux's sophisticated character.

The Medieval Origins and Noble Heritage

The story of Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux begins nearly a millennium ago in 1098, when William IX the Troubadour, Duke of Aquitaine, established the seigneury of Soussans. The fortified manor house that would become the estate's iconic tower was constructed in the 13th century by the Lords of Blanquefort, creating one of the oldest continuous wine properties in the Médoc.

The defining moment in the château's identity came in 1623 when Pierre de Mons acquired the property through marriage to the sole daughter of the Baron de Soussans. Pierre de Mons not only gave the estate his name but also devoted his life to developing and expanding the vineyard. His vision extended beyond La Tour de Mons itself—he acquired the noble houses of Labégorce and Bessan and inherited the seigneury of Marsac, becoming the first holder of the seven seigneuries that comprised the original domain of Soussans.

For nearly four centuries, the estate remained within connected family lineages, passing through the Clauzel, Binaud, and Cruchet families as heirs of Pierre Dubos. This remarkable continuity of ownership allowed for consistent development of viticultural practices and the gradual refinement of the wine's distinctive style that would eventually earn recognition as a Cru Supérieur in the 1932 Cru Bourgeois classification.

Understanding Margaux's Exceptional Terroir

Located in the northern sector of the prestigious Margaux appellation, Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux occupies one of the most privileged positions near the banks of the Garonne River—a location shared by all the finest Médoc Crus. The estate's 58-hectare vineyard forms a remarkable single block, completely enclosed by historic walls that have protected these precious vines for centuries.

The terroir represents a masterful combination of deep Garonne gravel deposits layered over limestone-clay substrates. This unique geological composition creates ideal conditions for vine cultivation. The gravel provides excellent drainage while retaining just enough moisture during dry periods, forcing vine roots to plunge deep into the earth—sometimes extending over 23 feet in search of water and nutrients. These deep root systems not only ensure vine health during challenging weather conditions but also allow the vines to express the full complexity of the underlying terroir.

Margaux's gravel soils are notably the thinnest in the entire Médoc, making them uniquely penetrable by vine roots. The best parcels sit on gentle outcrops called croupes, where additional gravel deposits facilitate superior drainage. This particular terroir configuration contributes directly to the refined, elegant character that distinguishes Margaux wines from their more powerful neighbors in Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe.

Vineyard Composition and Grape Varieties

The vineyard composition of Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux reflects both traditional Bordeaux wisdom and modern viticultural understanding. Currently planted to 61% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, this blend represents a thoughtful evolution from earlier configurations. The dominance of Merlot, somewhat unusual for Left Bank properties, adds remarkable roundness and approachability to the wines while maintaining the structure necessary for long-term aging.

The average vine age of 40 years represents the sweet spot for quality production—old enough to produce concentrated, complex fruit while still maintaining vigor and health. Recent vineyard management decisions have included the complete removal of certain Cabernet Franc parcels, demonstrating the estate's commitment to optimizing their varietal selection based on terroir performance and quality objectives.

Modern Winemaking Techniques

Under the expert guidance of managing director and oenologist Marjolaine Maurice de Coninck, supported by consulting oenologist Claude Gros, Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux combines time-honored traditions with cutting-edge technology. The winemaking process begins with meticulous hand-harvesting, ensuring only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes enter the winery.

Following harvest, grapes undergo careful sorting before being allocated to separate stainless steel tanks based on their specific vineyard origins. This plot-by-plot vinification allows for precise traceability and enables the winemaking team to craft the final blend with exceptional precision. Low-temperature fermentation over extended periods facilitates gentle extraction of color and tannins, preserving the delicate aromatic compounds that define Margaux's elegance.

After fermentation, each batch is drawn off into French oak barrels, with press wine carefully evaluated and selectively incorporated into the blend. The wine then ages for 12 months in barrels, with 30% new oak each vintage—a proportion carefully calibrated to add complexity without overwhelming the wine's inherent fruit character. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat, contributing to the wine's characteristic smoothness and integration.

Signature Tasting Profile

The wines of Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux exemplify the refined, perfumed character that has made Margaux one of Bordeaux's most celebrated appellations. In the glass, these wines display an intense ruby red color with remarkable depth and brilliance. The aromatic profile is immediately captivating, revealing the classic Margaux signature of violets and lilacs intertwined with notes of blackcurrant, black plum, and cocoa.

On the palate, the wine demonstrates exceptional balance between power and finesse. The attack is elegant and precise, leading to a mid-palate of remarkable density and concentration. Sweet spices and hints of bitter chocolate emerge as the wine opens, while subtle smoky notes add complexity. The tannins, always a hallmark of great Margaux, are simultaneously firm and silky, providing structure without aggression. The finish is long and persistent, leaving impressions of dark fruit, cedar, sandalwood, and sweet tobacco.

Notable Vintages and Aging Potential

Wine experts and collectors recognize several outstanding vintages of Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux, with particular acclaim for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, and 2005. Industry insiders note that beginning with the 2018 vintage, the wines have reached unprecedented quality levels in the estate's long history, representing exceptional value for astute buyers.

While these wines can be enjoyed relatively young with proper decanting—typically an hour or more of aeration—they possess remarkable aging potential. The combination of concentrated fruit, firm tannins, and balanced acidity ensures graceful evolution over decades. Peak drinking windows typically begin around 5-7 years after vintage and can extend 20-30 years for exceptional years.

The Perrodo Family Renaissance

The year 2020 marked a transformative moment for Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux when the Perrodo family acquired the estate from CA Grands Crus. Led by Nathalie Perrodo, this purchase represented a strategic expansion of their Margaux holdings, which already included the prestigious Château Marquis d'Alesme (an 1855 Grand Cru Classé) and Château Labégorce.

The Perrodo family's approach combines passionate commitment to quality with significant capital investment in modernization. Their love for the Margaux region aligns perfectly with centuries of devoted ownership, and their vision focuses on revealing the astounding potential of this exceptional terroir. Major renovation programs have included construction of a new winery, installation of air-conditioned storage cellars, comprehensive drainage improvements, and implementation of sustainable ecological practices throughout the vineyard.

Standing Among Margaux Neighbors

Within the illustrious Margaux appellation, Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux holds a distinctive position. While Château Margaux achieved First Growth status in the 1855 Classification, and properties like Palmer, Rauzan-Ségla, and Lascombes command significant attention, La Tour de Mons offers something unique: centuries of consistent quality at accessible price points.

The estate's wines share the appellation's characteristic elegance and refinement while expressing their own distinct personality derived from their specific terroir and higher Merlot content. This individuality, combined with recent quality improvements under Perrodo ownership, positions La Tour de Mons as one of Margaux's most compelling value propositions.

Perfect Food Pairings

The elegant structure and complex flavor profile of Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux makes it an exceptional companion for sophisticated cuisine. Classic pairings include roasted lamb with herbs de Provence, where the wine's floral notes complement the aromatic herbs while its tannins balance the meat's richness. Beef wellington represents another perfect match, with the wine's structure standing up to the dish's complexity.

Game birds such as duck or pheasant, particularly when prepared with fruit-based sauces, harmonize beautifully with the wine's dark fruit character. For cheese courses, aged hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda provide ideal textural and flavor contrasts. Even vegetarian dishes featuring mushrooms, particularly preparations with porcini or truffles, create memorable pairings that highlight the wine's earthy undertones.

Serving and Decanting Guidelines

To fully appreciate Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux, proper serving temperature and aeration are essential. Serve the wine at 60-65°F (15-18°C), slightly below room temperature, to best showcase its aromatic complexity and structural balance. Younger vintages benefit significantly from decanting, with at least one hour of aeration recommended for wines less than ten years old.

For older vintages, decanting serves primarily to separate sediment, and shorter aeration times may be preferable to preserve delicate tertiary aromas. Use large-bowled Bordeaux glasses that allow the wine to breathe and concentrate its complex bouquet. When serving multiple vintages, progress from younger to older, allowing guests to appreciate the wine's evolution.

Marquis de Mons Second Label

Château Marquis de Mons, the second wine of Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux, offers an accessible introduction to the estate's style. Created from younger vines and parcels that don't meet the exacting standards for the grand vin, Marquis de Mons maintains the estate's commitment to quality while offering earlier drinking appeal and exceptional value.

This second wine typically reflects the same careful winemaking and varietal blend as the grand vin, providing authentic Margaux character at a more approachable price point. For those seeking to understand the estate's style or enjoy Margaux elegance without extended cellaring, Marquis de Mons represents an intelligent choice.

Sustainable Vineyard Management

Modern management at Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux emphasizes sustainable ecological practices throughout the vineyard. Comprehensive drainage programs protect vine health while minimizing environmental impact. Precision viticulture techniques allow targeted interventions, reducing the need for widespread treatments.

The estate's commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass social responsibility and economic viability, ensuring the property's continued excellence for future generations. These practices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the increasing quality and purity of expression in recent vintages.

Value Proposition in Today's Market

In today's competitive fine wine market, Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux represents extraordinary value. While classified growth Margaux properties command premium prices, La Tour de Mons delivers authentic appellation character and increasingly impressive quality at fraction of the cost. Wine professionals particularly note the exceptional price-quality ratio of recent vintages since 2018.

The estate produces approximately 25,000 cases annually, ensuring reasonable availability while maintaining artisanal production standards. This production level strikes an ideal balance—large enough for distribution yet small enough to maintain meticulous quality control throughout the winemaking process.

Collector and Investment Considerations

For collectors and investors, Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux presents intriguing opportunities. The combination of historic pedigree, recent quality improvements under Perrodo ownership, and reasonable pricing creates potential for appreciation. The estate's consistent critical acclaim and growing reputation suggest upward price trajectory potential, particularly for highly-rated recent vintages.

Storage considerations remain standard for fine Bordeaux: maintain consistent temperature around 55°F (13°C), humidity between 60-70%, and protection from light and vibration. Given the wine's aging potential, patience rewards collectors with increasingly complex and nuanced bottles over time.

Insider Purchasing Recommendations

When considering purchasing Chateau La Tour De Mons Margaux, focus on vintages from 2018 forward, which represent the estate's modern renaissance. The 2020 vintage, with its perfect balance of ripeness and freshness, offers exceptional current drinking while maintaining decades of aging potential. The 2016 vintage, now entering its optimal drinking window, showcases the estate's ability to excel in challenging years.

Consider purchasing multiple bottles or cases to enjoy the wine's evolution over time. Opening bottles at different stages reveals the fascinating development from youthful fruit through mature complexity. For those new to the estate, beginning with the Marquis de Mons second label provides an affordable introduction before investing in the grand vin.