68% cabernet 35% merlot and 7% petit verdot. A true Bordeaux blend featuring three of the allowable varietals. I really like the brilliant red color and bright rim. Red fruits show throughout the nose with secondary aromas of coffee and tar. The nose is really complex and very indicative of Margaux. The palate is filled with chocolate spice and well integrated oak. High quality and should age nicely.

The 2009 Marquis de Terme was picked from September 30 to October 9 and matured for 16 months in 50% new French oak. It has a very attractive nose with red fruit, touches of chestnut and leather, and maybe just a hint of Brettanomyces, but nothing to get worried about. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and fresh acidity. It's more elegant than others in 2000 or 2005, with a touch of bitter cherry mixed with truffle oil on the finish. This would benefit from more time in bottle. Tasted at the Marquis de Terme vertical. -- Neal Martin

Individual judge’s scores: SB 18 AG 16 SS 17 Pleasing bouquet of black cherry and blackcurrant. There’s spice and vigour on the mid-palate, but it’s taut, tightly wound and not very expressive now. A robust wine with a good future. Judges: Steven Brook, Alun Griffiths MW and Steven Spurrier Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-marquis-de-terme-bordeaux-france-2009-1533#WYwJmeTCI5JfoZdX.99

A bright ripe style with very fresh crushed plum raspberry and blackberry fruit wrapped in silky tannins and laced with hints of anise and black tea. The rounded finish has modest grip for mid-term cellaring. Drink now through 2020. -JM