2020 du Tertre (Margaux)

A more sculpted feel to 2020 here than at many estates in Margaux, with touches of tobacco leaf and white pepper accompanying the raspberry and wild strawberry fruits right from the first moments. There is a vivacity to the tannins, which remain muscular and a little sombre on the finish, once they have built up through the palate. Good stuff. Château du Tertre announced new owners as of January 2021, with the Helfrich family of Grands Chais de France taking over from previous owners Albada Jelgersma family on a leasing and management basis. 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend. A yield of 25hl/ha. 40% new oak. 93 points

The 2020 Château du Tertre has a slightly herbaceous nose, a trait that I have noticed on recent vintages; I find it a little jarring. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, but again, I perceive some herbaceousness in this vintage, plus some attenuation toward the gritty finish. I’m not quite sure where this will go once in bottle. 87-89 points

Displaying a deep purple-black color, the 2020 du Tertre springs from the glass with pronounced blackcurrant pastilles, black cherry preserves and blueberry pie scents, with an undercurrent of dried Mediterranean herbs, pencil shavings, tar and black olives. The medium-bodied palate offers compelling freshness with a soft, approachable texture and plenty of juicy black fruits, finishing with invigorating herbal notes. 87-89 points

Deepest purple crimson. Lots of black fruit with a very slight herbal note and a nice touch of stone dust. A little bit sinewy on the palate but elegant in its restraint, dry texture, and the tannins are layered and fine. Long finish. Embryonic but that`s hardly surprising for an unfinished wine. Long, fine-boned. 17+ points