Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 94
The 2020 Tertre Roteboeuf has a ton of new oak on the nose that obscures the fruit underneath. However that is frequently the case for this wine, and it just needs a few years to absorb. The palate predictably follows suit, with a veneer of oak coming through at the moment. It's also slightly reduced, with touches of dark chocolate and espresso. Modern in style, it's a very gourmand Saint-Emilion. This must be Tertre-Roteboeuf. It's sui generis, but it will need time in bottle to show its class. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2050
Antonio Galloni 98
The 2020 Tertre-Roteboeuf is stunning. It’s not quite the 2016, but it comes awfully close. Who knows in time where this will go? A vibrant, explosive Saint-Emilion, the 2020 Tertre-Roteboeuf sizzles with tension and energy. Black cherry, gravel, spice, espresso and chocolate stain the palate with tremendous intensity and sheer nuance. Tightly wound and full of energy, the 2020 is simply magnificent. What a wine!
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2050
Wine Advocate 98
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Le Tertre Roteboeuf needs a little coaxing and patience to lure out captivating notes of wild blueberries, crushed black plums and juicy blackberries, followed by suggestions of red roses, dark chocolate, molten licorice and rich, red soil, with wafts of garrigue and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers decadently intense, exotic spice and mineral-accented black fruit flavors, supported by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and very perfumed. This is without doubt one of the most impactful, singular, nuanced 2020 barrel samples tasted.
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2060
JancisRobinson.com 18
Tasted blind. Quite evolved colour. Very sweet-fruited, with red fruits to the fore, and sweetly oaky, too. Smells decadent. Lots of sweet oak on the palate and senescent, but not raisined, red fruits. Distinctively voluptuous but with a lightness of touch on the finish even though the tannins have a leathery texture. Delicious already. Decadent. Long. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2042
