2023 Château du Tertre Margaux Grand Cru Classé

Winery Château du Tertre

Château du Tertre is a Grand Cru Classé from Margaux that has undergone a clear renaissance in recent years. The estate has invested heavily in restructuring the vineyards and refining its cellar work. The style has shifted towards greater precision, concentration, and backbone, without losing the charming character of Margaux. Recent vintages show a clear increase in quality and greater consistency.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Château du Tertre is located in the southern part of Margaux, where gravelly soils provide drainage and aromatic finesse. The 2023 vintage achieved sufficient ripeness and yielded grapes with concentration and retained freshness. This combination perfectly suits the château's renewed style.

Vineyards

The vineyards have been extensively replanted and redistributed in recent years. In 2023, several renovated plots were fully incorporated into the Grand Vin for the first time. This explains the higher concentration and increased proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, which provides greater structure and aging potential.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2023 blend consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon clearly forms the backbone, while Cabernet Franc adds aromatic refinement and Merlot provides texture and roundness.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

The grapes were carefully harvested and vinified on a plot-by-plot basis. Vinification focuses on preserving fruit purity and building structure in a controlled manner. Maturation takes place in oak barrels, where the use of wood contributes to texture and depth without dominating the fruit.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep ruby red color. The nose opens with aromas of black currant, dark forest fruit, and licorice, complemented by floral notes of lilac and hints of mint and lavender. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated and substantial core. The fruit is ripe and layered, supported by creamy, sweet tannins. Notes of dark chocolate, walnut, and subtle spice add depth. Despite its power, the wine remains juicy and seamless, with a long and lingering finish.

Development and drinking window

Several drinking windows are suggested for the 2023 Château du Tertre. James Suckling recommends drinking from around 2028. Antonio Galloni of Vinous sees a potential window of around 2030 to 2053. The Wine Advocate provides an indication that it has significant aging potential. The wine would benefit from several years of bottle aging to develop further refinement.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley of The Wine Advocate rated the wine 92-94, describing it as a concentrated, layered Margaux with sweet, structural tannins and a clear step up in quality. James Suckling awarded it 95 points, praising the core of fruit, creamy tannins, and balance, advising it to age for several years. Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded it 91-93, emphasizing the power, depth, and resonance of this vintage, which he believes underscores Château du Tertre's renaissance.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.