2025 Château du Tertre Margaux Grand Cru Classé

EXCLUSIVE - AVAILABLE SPRING 2028

Winery Château du Tertre

Château du Tertre belongs to the historic Grand Cru Classés of Margaux and has been part of the Bordeaux elite since the classification of 1855. The château is situated on one of the highest points of the appellation and boasts an exceptional terroir of gravel and sandy soils. Since the takeover by the Helfrich family, Château du Tertre has focused strongly on precision in the vineyard and cellar, with a style that combines elegance, terroir expression, and drinkability. Under the leadership of director Cynthia Capelaere and consultant oenologists Eric Boissenot and Edouard Lambert, the focus is distinctly on finesse and aromatic purity. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Château du Tertre is located in Margaux, an appellation known for refinement, aromatic precision, and silky tannins. The vineyards are situated on Garonne gravel and sand of glacial origin, soils that drain excellently and contribute to finesse, tension, and aromatic complexity. The 2025 vintage presented the vineyard with challenges due to prolonged heat and dry conditions. Preserving freshness was paramount. Intensive canopy management and precise tillage proved essential to protect the grapes from heat stress and maintain balance. Small, concentrated grapes yielded great aromatic intensity without loss of elegance.

Thanks to rain at the right time and a precise harvest strategy, the classic Margaux freshness was preserved, despite the warm conditions of the year.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The blend of Château du Tertre 2025 consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the heart of the wine, providing structure, freshness, and length, while Cabernet Franc adds extra aromatic finesse. Merlot brings roundness and fruit, while Petit Verdot provides extra depth and spiciness. The château's total vineyard area is approximately 52 hectares, of which 43 hectares are in production. The combination of gravel and sandy soils contributes to the classic, refined style of Margaux, in which elegance is more important than pure power.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest took place between September 8 and 22. Thanks to the healthy grapes and precise timing, plot by plot could be harvested at optimal ripeness. Fermentation took place in a combination of temperature-controlled wooden, concrete, and stainless steel tanks. Extraction was deliberately kept gentle, using traditional remontage and a maceration of approximately twenty days. Due to the natural concentration of the fruit, intensive extractions were not necessary. After fermentation, the wine ages for sixteen months in French oak barriques, of which approximately 40% are new wood and 60% are one-year-old barrels. This creates extra refinement and texture without the wood overpowering the elegance of the wine.

Color, smell and taste

The 2025 Château du Tertre opens refined and layered, with aromas of blackcurrants, ripe blackberries, and dark cherries, supported by subtle floral notes of violets and iris. As the wine breathes, nuances of graphite, spices, and a light earthy complexity emerge, typical of classic Margaux.

On the palate, medium to full-bodied, with strikingly silky tannins and a soft, almost velvety texture. Despite the concentration, the wine retains elegance and precision. Dark fruit is beautifully supported by subtle notes of chocolate, spices, and fine mineral tension.

The style feels classic and refined, built on finesse rather than power. The tannins are polished and refined, while fresh acidity provides length and tension. The finish is long, harmonious, and typically Margaux, with floral notes and dark fruit that linger.

Development and drinking window

The 2025 Château du Tertre possesses excellent aging potential, but will be accessible relatively early thanks to its refined tannin structure.

Although official drinking windows are still limited, the structure, freshness, and balance point to a wine that will develop beautifully over at least two to three decades. In the first few years, fruit and floral finesse dominate, after which additional tertiary complexity will emerge.

Summary of professional reviews

96-97 points – James Suckling: praises the precision, balance, and aromatic depth of the wine. 94-95 points – Yves Beck (Beckustator): emphasizes the refinement and terroir expression. 94 points – Georgie Hindle, Decanter: praises the elegance and classic Margaux structure. 93-95 points – Alexandre Ma: calls the wine layered and harmonious. 92-94 points – William Kelley, Wine Advocate: sees great precision and classic aging potential. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.