2020 Marquis de Terme
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Tasting notes
Earthy, intense cedar, sandalwood and incense, autumnal fruits, finesed tannins shot through with mocha, gingerbread and cocoa bean. This is an impressive vintage at Marquis de Terme, quite different in character from the 2019, darker and more concentrated, with long ageing potential. 50% new oak for ageing, Diam cork, cold soak, natural yeasts, punching down, harvest September 15 to October 2. Laurent David estate director, Sénéclauze family owners. Julien Viaud of Rolland & Associés winemaking consultant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Black core. Dark, rich, ripe and really spicy, pretty oaky on the nose. A touch charry plus lots of fruit. Oaky, smooth and rich, chocolate flavour and texture. Could do with a little more lift on the finish but deep and generous. (JH)
The 2020 Marquis de Terme has a much more classical, sophisticated bouquet compared to the Marquis d'Alesme. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and delineated with plush black fruit and a healthy dash of white pepper, cohesive and potent on the finish. There is quite a lot of concentration here, but it manages to deliver requisite finesse and confirms my views just after bottling that this is a great Margaux. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2020 Marquis de Terme puts in an impressive showing that backs up my impression just a few months ago. Quite intense on the nose, it delivers very well-defined scents of blackberry and briar. It's floral with expressive Petit Verdot coming through. The palate is well-defined, with a fine backbone and grip. The 2020 is slightly powdery in texture with neatly integrated oak; it just seems to be closing up a little on the finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Marquis de Terme vertical.
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.