The 2018 Le Tertre Roteboeuf is a remarkable Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Saint Emilion region of Bordeaux, France. This wine, produced by the renowned Le Tertre Roteboeuf winery, showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship for which the estate is known.
In the glass, this red wine displays a deep, inviting color that hints at its rich and opulent character. With an alcohol percentage of 15.0%, it is a bold and powerful wine that demands attention. The closure of choice for this exceptional vintage is the traditional cork, which adds a touch of elegance to the overall experience.
This wine has received high praise from esteemed critics, and it's easy to see why. Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarded the 2018 Le Tertre Roteboeuf an impressive score of 98 points. He describes it as the "Le Pin of Saint-Emilion," comparing it to one of the most sought-after and prestigious wines in the world. Dunnuck notes the wine's exotic and up-front nature, with a nose that offers enticing aromas of white chocolate, black cherries, green tobacco, bacon fat, exotic flowers, and vanilla bean. On the palate, the wine is brilliantly concentrated, with silky, polished tannins and a muscular, structured style. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression.
Another respected critic, Vinous, gives the 2018 Le Tertre Roteboeuf a score of 96 points. They describe it as a rich, heady Saint-Emilion that captures all the opulence of the vintage. The wine exudes aromas of black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, new leather, and tobacco. Although the bouquet displays a bit of reduction, it is recommended to open the wine in advance or possibly decant it to fully appreciate its potential.
The 2018 Le Tertre Roteboeuf is a real powerhouse, according to Vinous. It possesses stunning depth and fabulous textural intensity. The wine showcases dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather, tobacco, and cedar, adding aromatic nuance. Despite its high alcohol content of around 16%, the alcohol is not overpowering. The blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc creates a harmonious and balanced wine that captures the ripe personality of the vintage.
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com also praises the 2018 Le Tertre Roteboeuf, awarding it a score of 97 points. He describes intense aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, plum liqueur, fig, Kahlua, smoke, licorice, and cocoa. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, luscious, rich, intense, and seductive. The layers of silky, velvet-drenched fruit leave a lasting impression.
The 2018 Le Tertre Roteboeuf is a wine that demands attention and respect. With its exotic and seductive aromas, brilliant concentration, and exceptional aging potential of 30 years or more, it is truly a wine that stands in a league of its own. For those fortunate enough to acquire a bottle, it is recommended to allow it to age for 5-7 years before indulging in its unparalleled splendor.