Introducing new global partner Château Tour des Termes: “Saint-Estèphe is buzzing with energy and evolution”
Star Wine List’s new global partner is Château Tour des Termes, a Saint-Estèphe estate founded in the seventeenth century and now enjoying a new phase as a sustainable force in Bordeaux.
The name “Tour des Termes” refers to an ancient tower on this 35-hectare Left Bank estate, on a vineyard plot named Les Termes. With a history tracing back to the seventeenth century, the winemaking here was looked after by the Anney family for five generations from the late nineteenth century onwards, until the château was bought by Irish renewable energy entrepreneur Eddie O’Connor in 2023. Now, its focus is on producing “the Médoc’s finest sustainable wines” according to CEO Julien Brustis, Co-Founder of Domaine La Bouche du Roi, who answers a few questions, below.
A Cru Bourgeois Supérieur since 2020, the notably supple wines of Château Tour des Termes come from grapes spread across three plots, with plantings dominated by Merlot (at 60%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), then Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyards hold certifications for sustainable viticulture from Terra Vitis and as Level 3 High Environmental Value, with more ambitions in this sphere still to be realised, including the goal of becoming 100% self-sufficient in renewable energy.
“Perhaps it’s strange to say that a seventeenth century estate is up and coming,” says Krister Bengtsson, Founder and Publisher of Star Wine List, “but I think Tour des Termes fits the description. Julien and his team have taken impressive steps over the last few years.
“As a former resident of Bordeaux, I hope that more wine lovers will learn that there are a lot of amazing wines being made in Bordeaux these days, which are also great value – and Tour des Termes’ are definitely some of them.”
Most recently, the château was awarded two stars by the Bettane et Desseauve guide and now it joins Star Wine List as a global partner. As harvest wraps up for 2025, we learn more about this exciting Bordeaux producer.
Welcome on board as our new global partner. How does it feel to be part of Star Wine List?
“It feels fantastic! We are honoured and truly excited to join Star Wine List. We have been following its expansion since day one and, today more than ever, connecting directly with wine lovers, sommeliers, and restaurant owners is key for us. Star Wine List is a great way to support the people who bring wine to life at the table, and to share our passion and story with a vibrant community worldwide.”
How would you sum up Château Tour des Termes in one sentence?
“Château Tour des Termes is a historic Saint-Estèphe estate writing a bold new chapter since its acquisition by the O’Connor family in 2023, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a deep passion for producing wines of character and elegance.”
What's the latest in Saint-Estèphe?
“Saint-Estèphe is buzzing with energy and evolution. At Tour des Termes, we are about to launch the construction of a new cellar, introduce a fresh range of varietal wines this November, and we are proud to have just achieved Silver Member status with the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). On top of that, we have restructured our distribution and are actively opening new export markets. It’s a very dynamic moment for both our estate and the appellation as a whole.”
How has harvest been for you?
“Harvest 2025 has been both intense and rewarding. We started on September 15th and will wrap up around October 3rd. Following the hot and sunny summer, the September rains brought balance, and we are seeing beautiful colour, tannins, and aromatic potential in the juices. It’s still early, but this vintage looks very promising, with the elegance and structure that years ending in ‘five’ are often remembered for, with an additional hint of freshness and aromatic intensity. We can’t wait to share the first tastings with professionals in a few months, and of course, with wine lovers in the coming years.”
Why do you want to be a part of the Star Wine List of the Year awards tour?
“The Star Wine List of the Year tour is an incredible opportunity to meet the best sommeliers and restaurant professionals in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. We believe that true success comes from building direct relationships with the people who pour our wines, even when distributors and importers are involved. Supporting their dedication to creating outstanding wine lists and tasting and sharing our wines with them along the way is exactly why we are thrilled to be part of this journey.”
Château Tour des Termes will be at Star Wine List of the Year UAE in December – entries are still open!
And Julien will be pouring the Château Tour des Termes wines at Star Wine List’s Inspiration Day in Stockholm, this November – a chance for guests to taste and ask questions.
Learn more about Château Tour des Termes.
Star Wine List’s global partners
Star Wine List’s global partner program sees us work with select estates to tell their stories, year round. These partners also join a number of our awards events, sharing their wines with our guests and Star Wine List of the Year finalists.
It is important to note that our partners have no say in the restaurants or wine bars that are selected for Red or White Stars in our guides. Nor do they have any influence over entries, finalists or winners in Star Wine List of the Year – our Gold and Silver Stars.
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Château Tour des Termes
Château Tour des Termes is located north of Bordeaux in one of Saint-Estèphe's great terroirs. Recently acquired by Irish green entrepreneur Dr Eddie O'Connor, the team is dedicated to the future, focusing on sustainable and detail-oriented viticulture.
