2020 Marquis de Terme

Tasted blind. Black core. Dark, rich, ripe and really spicy, pretty oaky on the nose. A touch charry plus lots of fruit. Oaky, smooth and rich, chocolate flavour and texture. Could do with a little more lift on the finish but deep and generous. (JH)

The 2020 Marquis de Terme has a much more classical, sophisticated bouquet compared to the Marquis d'Alesme. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and delineated with plush black fruit and a healthy dash of white pepper, cohesive and potent on the finish. There is quite a lot of concentration here, but it manages to deliver requisite finesse and confirms my views just after bottling that this is a great Margaux. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

The 2020 Marquis de Terme puts in an impressive showing that backs up my impression just a few months ago. Quite intense on the nose, it delivers very well-defined scents of blackberry and briar. It's floral with expressive Petit Verdot coming through. The palate is well-defined, with a fine backbone and grip. The 2020 is slightly powdery in texture with neatly integrated oak; it just seems to be closing up a little on the finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Marquis de Terme vertical.