70% cabernet sauvignon 15% merlot 10% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Average vine age is 45 years planted on 16 hectares with differing soil composition including silica and gravel mixed with clay in some areas. Deep ruby color throughout. This classic Margaux shows elegance and finesse on the nose with aromas of red currant Rainier cherry cola root beer and anise. The palate shows great restraint and medium concentration. Finishes long and tannic with nice red fruit and lingers long after the wine has been sipped. High quality and should perform at its best with a few years of bottle age.

The Marquis d'Alesme 2011 is a blend of 30% Merlot 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot picked from 20th until 4th October aged in 80% new oak. It has a touch more opulence than the Marquis de Terme with lifted rounded dark cherry and cassis fruit that is well defined and pure. The palate is rounded and supple on the entry. It has very good weight and is almost sinewy towards the finish although I think it will soften and become cohesive towards the pencil lead finish. A bold Margaux for 2011.