Les Hauts du Tertre, Margaux 2012

Get to know: Les Hauts du Tertre Margaux 2012

Tasting Note

A second wine with first-rate charm – classic Margaux elegance without the fuss. Les Hauts du Tertre 2012 is a supple, gently maturing left bank Bordeaux that’s all about finesse and drinkability. Expect redcurrant, plum and wild strawberry on the nose, layered with floral notes, cedar, and a whisper of pencil shavings. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with fine tannins, soft spice and a long, smooth finish. A great-value way into Margaux.

Top food pairings:

• Roast chicken with thyme and garlic
• Vegan lentil and walnut loaf with cranberry glaze
• Cheese: Morbier or mild goat’s cheese

This is a brilliant match for relaxed Sunday lunches or a low-key dinner with a touch of class.

Kate Says

“This one’s like a favourite well-cut jacket – effortlessly stylish, not too flashy, and fits just right. If you love claret with a gentle touch, Les Hauts du Tertre 2012 delivers all the Margaux charm without demanding a special occasion.”

Producer Info

Les Hauts du Tertre is the second wine of Château du Tertre, a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) estate located on one of the highest gravel ridges in Margaux. The château dates back to the 12th century, but it’s under modern ownership that it’s really come into its own, with careful vineyard work and thoughtful winemaking.

The 2012 vintage was a challenging year in Bordeaux, but Margaux fared better than most. A dry, warm late summer helped ripen the grapes, and the best estates made fresh, classically styled wines with good balance and moderate alcohol.

Winemaking highlights:

• Grape blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
• Ageing: Matured in French oak barrels, with a restrained approach to extraction to emphasise fruit and finesse
• Silky tannins, red-fruited elegance, and lovely Margaux perfume – ready to drink and still holding its poise