Château Marquis de Terme, 4ème Cru Classé, Margaux,

Glass-staining rich plum colour, this has clear structure and concentration, very much classic Left Bank in its fruit chracter and tannic grip, good balance, enjoyable, austere right now but will fill out through the mid palate over ageing, and has fennel and black pepper spice to round things off with a punch. This year includes the Marojallia vines for the first time.

The 2023 Marquis de Terme has a perfumed, floral bouquet, with wilted violets infusing the pretty blackberry and raspberry fruit. I would have liked a little more vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and fine acidity, quite detailed and mineral-driven toward the finish. It will hopefully gain some flesh and weight, but it is well-crafted.