2018 Marquis de Terme
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Tasting notes
A warm vintage and there is luscious fruit here, slate texture to the tannins, does a great job of balancing the maturity of the vintage with the finesse of the appellation, you feel power and plenty of character with spiced rosemary, fragrant cut herbs, alongside powerful tannic grip and black fruits. Good stuff, give it a few more years. Laurent David estate director, Sénéclauze family owners. 50% new oak for ageing, Diam cork, cold soak, natural yeasts, punching down, harvest September 26 to October 15.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Marquis de Terme was picked from September 26 to October 15. The nose has opened up since I last tasted it. It is rich and opulent in style, with black cherries and touches of burnt toast mixed with black pepper. A little glossy? The palate is medium-bodied, with layers of toasty black fruit laced with clove and white pepper. It is dense and broad-shouldered, though it misses the elegance of the 2015 and 2016. I tasted it at the Marquis de Terme vertical.
The 2018 Château Marquis De Terme also showed better than on release. Based on 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, it has a ripe, round, medium to full-bodied profile as well as gorgeous currant and mulberry fruits supported by ample chocolate, truffle, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. The tannins here are beautiful, and it has an expansive mouthfeel and a great finish. It's another beautiful wine that I'd be thrilled to drink any time over the coming 15-20 years.
Tasted blind. Rich and ripe – almost old-fashioned St-Émilion-like nose! Sandpaper tannins on the end. Not harmonious at this stage. (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.