Château du Tertre 2019

Offers incense and black tea notes that give this aromatic intrigue, while roasted plum and cherry compote flavors provide the bulk of the experience. Delivers a swath of warm humus on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 8,000 cases made.

A serious, rich and dark nose filled with tobacco and black chocolate. Great clarity and punch on the palate though, a real lively kick from start to finish with a deep core on the mid palate. This has structure and good density, feels more heady and seductive, the fruit with a soft sweetness and floral touch and then a menthol-licorice finish but super clean with such minerality. A great feeling at the end. Elegant and expressive. You could drink now but this has some chewy aspects still so needs a little more time to soften. Lovely. 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Beautiful purity of fruit here with currant and berry aromas, as well as fresh roses and other flowers. Citrus peel as well. Full-bodied with creamy and lightly velvety tannins that are long and beautiful. Hints of citrus to the lovely fruit. Textured and polished. A blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot. Try after 2024.

The 2019 du Tertre is powerful and virile, just as it was en primeur. Black cherry, graphite, smoke, tobacco, licorice, incense and crushed rocks lend notable complexity to this decidedly brooding, potent Margaux. I have always wondered if du Tertre, which is always a bit monolithic, can be more. The château is under new ownership, so perhaps we will find out.

Medium-bodied, earthy, savory, spicy and loaded with fresh red fruits ranging from sweet to tart. The wine finishes with dusty tannins and a savory, spicy character. Best after a few years of age. Drink from 2024-2039.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Delicately herbal and spicy core of cherry fruit, fine berry fruit, nuances of fig. Medium complexity, sweet wild berry confit, round, ripe tannins, pleasant freshness, already accessible, subtle sweetness on the finish, medium length.

Purple with ruby highlights. Dense bouquet of blackcurrant and dark fine wood, followed by tobacco leaf and morello cherry juice. On the elegant palate, a tight-knit tannic frame, delicately firm texture, granular extract and supporting zest. Focused finish with small black berries, juniper and subtle graphite notes. This delicacy can seamlessly build on last year’s success!

Kunz barrel sample 2020: (54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 13.5% abv) Herbal, restrained bouquet, blackberry, slight rubber note, wood. A well-structured, aromatic palate with fresh fruit, fine tannins, a dense, finely grained structure, and a slightly dry finish.

(54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 13.5% vol. alcohol) Herbs, restrained bouquet, blackberries, slight rubber note, wood. A well-structured, aromatic palate with fresh fruit, fine tannins, a dense, finely structured frame, and a slightly dry finish. 17/20 2025 - 2042

Plump, well-placed fruit sets the scene from the get-go. Silky, well-controlled and delivered tannins; you still get a kick of smoky oak, but this is enjoyable and makes an impression.

The 2019 du Tertre is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up notes of juicy red and black plums, boysenberries, and bay leaves, plus hints of tobacco leaf and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy, with lively acidity and an invigorating finish.

One of the finest and most subtle wines in its appellation in this vintage, also showing major progress in structure and overall balance compared with recent vintages. Outstanding value for money if the bottle delivers.

The nose displays fresh, bacon-like, spicy notes. The palate follows in the same vein, with lovely tension and good length.

Mocha nose, a touch of oak ageing, toasted bread, and some aromatic herbs. Fresh palate, a bit light. Lively, tangy fruit brings energy on the palate. Bitterness on the finish.

Du Tertre’s bouquet aims to be subtle, fresh, and complex. It immediately shows depth and clarity, with fruity notes and mineral nuances. Plenty of finesse on the palate. The tannins deliver power without being overwhelming. Their fine grain provides a beautiful backbone across the palate. Du Tertre is elegant and fresh. It will be interesting to follow its evolution.

Dark, intense, and youthful color. Very aromatic nose, with pure, ripe, and subtle fruit. Fragrant. Precise on the attack, very aromatic mid-palate, with a level of body not seen since 2018 so far; the wine glides on the finish, flavorful, long, and full of taste. This is what sets it apart. Lovely sappy finish with refined tannins. Estate on the rise. New outsider.