critic reviews
The 2021 du Tertre is deep garnet-purple in color. It hops out of the glass with earthy notes of crushed rocks, charcoal, and damp soil, leading to a core of kirsch and raspberry coulis. The earth-laced, light to medium-bodied palate has nice poise and uncomplicated flavors, finishing with a peppery lift.
Soft ruby colour, fresh acidities that feel sculpted rather than overly sharp, this has settled in well over ageing, with cloves, sandalwood, plenty of white pepper and sour plum balanced by richer blueberry fruit. Enjoyable, savoury if a little light through the mid palate. First full year under new owners the Helfrich family, with the talented Frederic Ardouin remaining as technical director, and Cynthia Capelaere as estate director. Recorded blend different from En Primeur. Tasted twice.
The 2021 Château du Tertre has a composed bouquet with cedar and violet-tinged red fruit, harmonious with nicely integrated oak. This has a little more fruit concentration than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid, pastille-like black fruit, and its smooth, harmonious finish has more joie-de-vivre than some of its peers. This is a well-crafted wine that should give pleasure over the next decade.
The 2021 du Tertre has turned out well in bottle, offering up aromas of dark, minty berries, pipe tobacco, orange zest and pencil shavings, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and suave palate built around velvety tannins and bright acids. This Cabernet-dominant blend represents a strong effort for this property, no doubt helped by the brave decision to sell off one-third of the production in bulk.