Malescot 2004, de Tertre 2004 and Bertinerie Cru Reserve 2006

Chateau Malescot St. Exupery 2004, 2^nd Growth, Margaux.

Deep ruby with tight rim. Vivid strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit evolving into blackberry-then blackcurrant- returning with a bouquet of rose and violets! Decidedly black fruit, it stays ‘blackcurrant pastille’ on nose and palate, recalling fond memories of favourite Rowntrees in terms of structure and fruitiness. Changing nose and palate, albeit within the fruit-floral-spicy-oak framework. Great classicism .On palate, ice-cream, vanilla creamy, cream powder enveloping red fruit driving a spicy finish. Slightly waxy and bon-bon; always fragrant. Merlot influences a lot with slightly higher ABV. Pleasing and pleasant. A Margaux towards the feminine spectrum. Great terroir.

Chateau du Tertre 4th Growth, Margaux.

Deep ruby with tight rim. Mixed cherry, plum and blackcurrant fruit subdued by tones of roast meat, toast aromas of chocolate, dried herbs and nuttiness. ON palate, strong notes of lush grassiness, licorice and blackcurrant punctuated by minerality. Dense and chunky, the quality testifies the 70 feet deep gravel, sub-soil and higher Cabernet Franc composition(than Malescot in this case). On decantation, a structured wine with ample and fine tannins, giving a currant and plumy finish. Very Arsac. 

Chateau Bertinerie Cru Reserve 2006, Cotes de Bordeaux.

Medium ruby with pink rim. Clean red cherry and plum fruit suppressed by tones of coffee and moca, which leads to clean licorice and vanilla oak. On palate, lean and tight red fruit with nice acidities, driving towards a bone dry and fruity finish. Very elegant.