Set within one of the highest points of the Margaux appellation, Château du Tertre has long been one of the Médoc’s most quietly compelling estates. Classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Classification, the property combines the fragrant finesse and perfume so prized in Margaux with a level of structure and age-worthiness that often places it among the appellation’s most astute purchases. The estate’s 52 hectares form a rare single block of gravelly terroir, planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, giving the wines both aromatic complexity and classical Left Bank definition. Under the stewardship of the Helfrich family since the late 1990s, Château du Tertre has undergone a remarkable qualitative resurgence. Extensive replanting, meticulous vineyard management and a greater focus on precision in the cellar have elevated the estate into a new era of consistency and refinement. Farming practices increasingly favour sustainability and biodiversity, while extraction and élevage are carefully judged to preserve the estate’s hallmark elegance rather than pursue sheer power. What makes Château du Tertre particularly compelling today is the balance it strikes between pedigree and accessibility. While many classified growths have moved decisively beyond the reach of everyday collectors, du Tertre continues to offer genuine terroir expression and classic Bordeaux character at comparatively approachable prices. For
Chateau du Tertre Margaux 5eme Cru Classe 1986
12.5% abv
From a famously structured Left Bank vintage, the 1986 Château du Tertre is a wonderfully traditional expression of mature Margaux. Now fully evolved, it offers the cedar, tobacco and earthy complexity that lovers of old-school claret prize, balancing the appellation’s hallmark perfume with the firm backbone characteristic of the vintage. While never a blockbuster, it is a wine of nuance and classical proportion, showing the charm of mature Bordeaux at an accessible level.
A complex nose of red berries, cedarwood and old leather with hints of tobacco leaf, forest floor and graphite lead into a medium-bodied and fully mature palate, showing softened tannins, savoury red fruits, earthy spice and gentle Margaux florality.
This is elegant and resolved, with lingering notes of cedar, dried herbs and autumnal woodland character – much charm still to be found.
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1986 | Bordeaux | Cabernet Franc | Cabernet Sauvignon | Chateau du Tertre | Duty Paid | Europe | France | Margaux | Merlot | Petit Verdot | Red | Still | Wine- Reference #:
- 26470
- Strength
- 12.5 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 3 bottles
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- Organic
- No
- Biodynamic
- No
- Vegan
- No
- Vegetarian
- No
- Sparkling
- No
