2023 C315 Sud-Ouest, Chateau Tournefeuille

Amphora & Velvet

Dark, supple and quietly intriguing, C315 Sud-Ouest feels like Right Bank Bordeaux seen through a slightly more unbuttoned lens. Ripe black plum, cherry and dark berry fruit lead the way, followed by a gentle floral lift, soft spice and a savoury mineral undertow that keeps the wine feeling fresh and composed. The palate is smooth and fruit-driven, with plenty of Merlot generosity at its heart, but there is a lovely line of poise running through it, giving the wine shape, balance and a softly earthy finish. It is generous, certainly, but never heavy, just polished, vivid and very easy to enjoy. The 2023 is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Malbec, with no added sulphur, and is vinified and aged in amphora, which fits its pure, lifted fruit profile beautifully.

For when: the food is generous, the mood is relaxed, and the red needs charm without losing its edge.
Pairs with: duck, roast pork, grilled mushrooms, or a rich tomato-based dish with herbs.
If this wine were a place: a warm stone courtyard at dusk, where the conversation is easy and the bottle empties without effort.

Château Tournefeuille is based in Lalande-de-Pomerol, and this cuvée takes its name from the estate’s cadastral plot reference, C315. It is a more contemporary expression from the property, built around fruit, balance and texture rather than oak weight, and the amphora élevage gives it a slightly different rhythm from more traditional Right Bank wines. The result is a bottle that feels rooted in Bordeaux, but with a fresher, more modern ease.