2003 Château du Tertre

Margaux was not one of the more favored appellations, although some top 2003s were made there. Du Tertre’s fully mature 2003 displays chocolaty, herbal, fig and black currant notes, excellent density, elegance and freshness. However, it needs to be drunk up over the next several years.

Browning garnet. Leaf mould and some exotic spice and cigar box – really attractive on the nose though not typically Margaux. Juicy, smoothed rather than silky tannins. Unexpectedly fresh, the acid might become too strident but OK now. (JH)

Dark red with a garnet rim. Very sexy, inviting aromas of ripe red cherry, rose petal, mint, cinnamon and white pepper; this has to be one of the freshest, least overripe noses of all 2003 Bordeaux. Then remarkably vibrant and pure on the palate, with cabernet franc-dominated flavors of strawberry, violet, and cocoa complicated by a delicate white pepper nuance. The tannins are smooth and the finish long and suave. An alluring, supple wine with impeccable balance--and an unbelievable result in the furnace-like conditions of 2003. (ID)