2022, Château du Tertre, MARGAUX 5ème Grand Classe

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot.

The 2022 du Tertre 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, it's a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, which more or less represents this estate's varietal breakdown after its extensive replanting program is complete. 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. 92-94+ William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Bright and vibrant, lightly textured, more streamlined and linear than plush but the fruit has concentration and this has lovely freshness from start to finish. Some tension gives it the strictness but also the definition and detail. Well made but the softer acidity means it's missing a little persistence, there's no faulting the precision and focus throughout however. Harvest 8 September - 19 October. 3.6pH. Ageing in French oak, 60% new, 40% one year old. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 93/100 Georgina Hindle, Decanter. 

The 2022 du Tertre is packed with inky black fruit, gravel, incense, tobacco, licorice and chocolate. Opulent and intense to the core, the 2022 packs a serious punch. That comes through in tannins that are also pretty imposing. 90-92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous. 

The 2022 Chateau du Tertre has an attractive bouquet with blackcurrant, bilberry and pastille-like purity. It opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry, sous-bois and cedar aromas. It's linear toward the finish with moderate length. Maybe just a little conservative now, but I admire the correctness. It's Bordeaux, after all! 90-92 Neal Martin, Vinous. 

Drinking Window: 2028 - 2042