Tertre (Margaux) 2003

Margaux, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

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.

Score: 87

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2017 01 August 2014

This dark ruby/purple-colored, luscious, soft, already complex 2003 offers alluring notes of smoked herbs, black cherry jam, camphor, white chocolate, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, silky-textured, heady, and impossible to resist, it can be drunk now and over the next 12-14 years.

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2006-2020 30 April 2006

This pure, rich, dense ruby/purple-hued 2003 offers sweet aromas of wood smoke, chocolate-covered black cherries, plums, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, seductive, and fleshy with low acidity as well as ripe tannin, it should drink well young yet age nicely for 12-15 years. Readers should be taking a serious look at this estate as recent vintages have exhibited significant improvement. Du Tertre is a stylish, full-flavored, somewhat exotic Margaux with good aging potential. Moreover, it remains reasonably priced.

Score: 90 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2005-2020 30 April 2005

A beautifully made Margaux, the 2003 Du Tertre is a credit to proprietor Eric Albada Jelgensma (also responsible for the resurrection of Giscours). A deep ruby/purple color accompanies the chocolatey, berry, smoke, new oak, and plum-scented bouquet. Fleshy, layered, medium-bodied, and seductive, this is undeniably a sleeper of the vintage. Moreover, it is generally fairly priced.

Score: 90 - 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2004

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. Is this a Burgundy? There are tart red cherries on the nose that bears little semblance to Bordeaux. The palate has fine tannins, sweet red cherry fruit with a touch of lemon peel, fine poise, silky smooth but it is still feels like a Pinot Noir! Tasted October 2010.

Score: 87

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 March 2011

Deep crimson. Some fresh fruit on the nose but then pretty notable acidity. Sweetness then acidity and not quite married - not so obviously a 2003 as many others... Greenness on the finish.

Score: 15

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2010-2014 13 October 2010

Complex mix of aromas: meaty black fruit but also violets, spice and perfume. Very inviting. Soft, velvety tannins, a flash of spicy oak and then well sustained warm fruit on the finish. Very satisfying.

Score: 17

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2008-2018 23 January 2008

Good full red. Roasted currant, plum jam and chocolate on the nose, with complicating notes of leather and meat. Sweet on entry, then a bit roasted in the middle; not particularly complex but offers good fruit and balance. Finishes with dusty tannins and good length.

Score: 88

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2006

Slightly funky with ripe fruit and toasted oak. Smoky. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. I like this a lot still even though it's a little earthy and rustic. Best after 2009. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 15,000 cases made.

Score: 88

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2009+ 31 March 2006