Château du Tertre Margaux 2016

The lands of Château du Tertre have been planted to vine since the 16th century, though the current estate wasn’t established until the 1700’s. Classified as a Fifth Growth in 1855, the château sits atop one of the highest and most beautiful, gravelly rises in Margaux; Tertre, in fact, translates to hillock or rising ground. The current owner is Eric Albada Jelgersma, who acquired the property in 1997 and invested in a large-scale restructuring of the vineyards and cellar. The estate is comprised of 52 hectares planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in Günz gravel and sandy soils. The average age of Tertre’s vines is 35 years.

Château du Tertre — a beautiful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — is conditioned in barrel for 16 months (45% new). Tantalizing on the nose, this Margaux displays aromas of dark red and blue fruits mixed with a touch of dried herbs and violets. The medium- to full-bodied palate is lush and concentrated, offering flavors of red currant, blueberry and black raspberries with a lovely integration of savory earth notes. This Bordeaux is impeccably balanced with a good deal of acidity that is married perfectly with broad, ripe tannins that lead to an enduring and satisfying finish. A fantastic accompaniment with hearty stews or roasts.

94+ Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“unwinds in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, licorice, vine smoke and petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered palate of uncommon depth and concentration that nevertheless retains all the estate's signature elegance. Polished and supple... This looks likely to emerge as the finest du Tertre in several decades, and it is sure to be one of the better values of the en primeur campaign.”