At a glance

Producer

Château du Tertre

Region

Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Petit Verdot (8%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90 - $140 (2024 estimate)

Tasting profile

Complex aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, and slight truffle notes; rich, layered palate with balanced acidity

Evolution: Evolution from dominant fruit to more tertiary notes (leather, forest floor, mushroom) over next decade

At peak: Optimal balance of fresh fruit and mature notes, silky tannin integration, long finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium acidity providing good freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm but integrated, medium-plus tannin structure

Alcohol

Approximately 13.0-13.5%

Aging potential

Can age comfortably for 35-40 years from vintage in ideal storage conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2015 to 2035

Current status

Drinking very well with complex tertiary notes emerging, still robust tannins

Current condition

Approaching peak maturity; tertiary aromas of leather, cedar, and forest floor; balanced palate with softened but still present tannins

Château du Tertre's 2001 is from a strong Bordeaux vintage with ideal structure for long-term aging. The classic Margaux blend and well-managed tannins allow it to develop nuanced tertiary complexity well beyond 30 years, peaking around 25-30 years after vintage, with some bottles extending well beyond 40 years under ideal conditions.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with roast lamb, duck confit, beef tenderloin, aged cheeses (Comté, Gruyère), and mushroom-based dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the tannins to soften and aromas to open, especially after long cellar aging

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Château du Tertre employs sustainable farming practices including integrated pest management, careful water use, and soil preservation measures. Efforts to reduce synthetic chemical inputs are ongoing.

While not fully certified organic or biodynamic, Château du Tertre maintains attentive viticultural practices to promote sustainability. Their efforts in soil health and resource management contribute positively, though international shipping and typical Bordeaux packaging moderate the overall sustainability score.