Chateau La Tour du Pin, Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC, Chateau La Tour du Pin

About Chateau La Tour du Pin

Château La Tour du Pin Figeac (Moueix) was a distinguished Bordeaux wine estate located in the Saint-Émilion appellation on the Right Bank of the Gironde. The property, originally part of the larger Figeac estate, has a storied history that traces back to the 19th century. The estate was divided in 1879, and the portion that became La Tour du Pin Figeac was eventually split further into two properties. The Moueix family, notable figures in the Bordeaux wine trade, acquired one of these properties in 1947. Under their stewardship, the estate gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines reflective of the unique terroir of Saint-Émilion.

Located adjacent to the prestigious Château Cheval Blanc, the vineyard covered approximately 11 hectares. The soil composition featured a mixture of gravel and sand, which provided excellent drainage and contributed to the character of the wines. The grape varieties planted were predominantly Merlot, with a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc, typical of the region. The blend was generally about 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, resulting in wines that were elegant, supple, and capable of aging gracefully.

Château La Tour du Pin Figeac (Moueix) consistently produced wines that reflected the finesse and balance characteristic of Saint-Émilion. The estate’s approach to viticulture and winemaking emphasized careful vineyard management and traditional techniques. Harvests were conducted by hand to ensure the selection of only the best fruit. In the cellar, fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by aging in oak barrels, with a portion of new oak each year to enhance complexity without overwhelming the wine's delicate structure.

The estate was classified as a Grand Cru Classé in the original 1955 Saint-Émilion classification, a status it maintained through several revisions. This recognition affirmed the estate’s commitment to quality and its standing among the region’s top producers. The wines of Château La Tour du Pin Figeac (Moueix) are known for their aromatic complexity, featuring notes of red and black fruits, floral nuances, and subtle hints of spice and earth. On the palate, they offer a harmonious balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity, with a silky texture and a lingering finish.

In 2006, the estate was sold to the owners of Château Cheval Blanc, who sought to incorporate the vineyard into their own holdings. Following the acquisition, the wines continued to be produced under the La Tour du Pin Figeac name for a few vintages. However, in 2011, the estate was officially absorbed into Cheval Blanc, and the production of wines under the La Tour du Pin Figeac label ceased. The legacy of the estate lives on through the continued cultivation of its vineyards as part of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated properties.

Château La Tour du Pin Figeac (Moueix) remains an important part of Bordeaux’s viticultural history, remembered for its contribution to the prestige of Saint-Émilion and its role in shaping the identity of the region’s wines. The estate’s story reflects the evolution of Bordeaux estates over time, marked by changes in ownership, classification, and winemaking philosophy, all driven by a dedication to excellence in wine production.