2011 Marquis de Terme
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Tasting notes
A fine, light nose, lifted. Steamlined, silky fruit framed by some slightly dry tannin. finishes nicely.
Critic scores
Average Score
FINE+RARE
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Highly spiced, a touch austere and not quite fully integrated - a clear sign that this is a slow ageing estate, reflective of its location on prime Margaux soil, with notes of cedar, incense, vanilla bean and smoked herbs alongside ripe autumnal fruit. Laurent David estate director, Diam cork, 50% new oak for ageing, harvest September 20 to October 6.
The 2011 Marquis de Terme was the first vintage with troconic tanks augmenting the original wooden vats and the first with pumping over during fermentation. It had a low yield, especially for the Cabernet Sauvignon, which was picked at less than 20hl/ha. Matured in 50% new oak, it actually sports a commendable bouquet with pure black cherries and blueberry fruit, touches of mocha and leather developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and fresh acidity, quite elegant and more precise perhaps than the previous vintage; there is a slightly granular touch towards the finish. With decent grip and plenty of freshness, this is a fine Margaux for the vintage and ranks alongside or even better than the 2009 and 2010. The Petit Verdot, which underwent a light infusion, imparts florality on the finish. Tasted at the Marquis de Terme vertical.
Dark crimson. Savoury, high-toned nose. Racy and appealing. The vintage’s challenges seem to have been well met. Appetising! (JR)
About the producer
This Fourth Growth estate has been owned by the same family (the Sénéclauzes) since 1936. Over the last 25 years, later picking, a higher level of sorting and modern winemaking has fine-tuned the quality.