A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Marquis de Terme expresses aromas of oak, spices, pencil shavings and ripe dark berries. Concentrated but a bit over-extracted and with firm and chunky tannins, it reveals a broad-shouldered, punchy style that privileges power over charm. 86-88 points

Damson plum, underbrush, fingerprint of the vintage shown in intense black cherry and blackberry fruits, laced with fig tart and rosemary, and edges of charcoal and slate. Good stuff, intense and knitted down, and when the tannins threaten to close in, well judged acidities come in. 50% new oak. 91 points

The 2022 Marquis de Terme is massively shut down and compact, with searing tannins that dominate. Dark fruit, spice, chocolate, licorice and leather struggle to emerge, but the tannins are just too imposing at this stage. Elevage will be critical. Tasted two times. 86-89 points

The 2022 Marquis de Terme was tasted twice with two differing impressions. The first has a rich and quite opulent nose, a bit hazy due to the alcohol, with black cherries, cassis and just a touch of eau-de-vie. A second bottle demonstrates much more clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with thick but dry tannins, a bit austere and I am seeking more fruit to balance out the finish. The second sample provided that, although it still feels a bit `solid` and missing a bit of grace. I hope to see an uptick in quality come bottling. NB This will be bottled under Diam. 89-91 points