Tertre Roteboeuf St. Emilion Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Tertre Roteboeuf

Learn everything about Tertre Roteboeuf St. Emilion with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Tertre Roteboeuf History, Overview

Tertre Roteboeuf has been a family affair for a few generations at this point. It started when the estate was known as Le Tertre. The traditional farmhouse on the estate was constructed in the early 18th century, about 1730, give or take.

Jumping ahead, the modern era for Tertre Roteboeuf starts when the vineyard was owned by François Mitjavile’s future father-in-law, Emile Gilard. In 1961, after he passed away, it was next inherited by his daughter Miloute.

At the time, the Miloute family also owned the neighboring vineyard of Chateau Bellefont Belcier. In those days, there was no wine produced as Tertre Roteboeuf. Those vines were simply included in Bellefont Belcier.

She and her cousins came to an agreement. She owned the vineyards. They had the time and the knowledge as they were already established producers in Saint Emilion. So a partnership was formed which gave birth to what we know of as Tertre Roteboeuf today.

Wanting to learn about winemaking, François Mitjavile started his wine career at another St. Emilion estate, Chateau Figeac in 1975. Two short years later, he returned to Le Tertre. For the first vintage of his new winery, he changed the name of the property from Le Terte to Le Tertre Roteboeuf, and a new estate was born.

The logic behind this was to separate the estate from the numerous Right Bank chateaux already using the word Tertre in their name. His plan was to make the name of the chateau stand out. And it did!

The name, Le Tertre Roteboeuf which is loosely translated into “Hill of the belching beef,” pays homage to a time when the property was probably used for cattle to graze during medieval times.

tertre-roteboeuf-francois-mitjavile

The first vintage of Le Tertre Roteboeuf produced by François Mitjavile was the 1978. While the estate is not what you would call modern, one of the first changes made by Francois Mitjavile was to begin the practice of using a portion of new, French oak to age the wine.

Prior to François Mitjavile taking over Tertre Roteboeuf, the wines were never aged in new oak barrels. That changed starting with the 1985 vintage when the wines were aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for the first time.

In a few years, the wine of Tertre Roteboeuf would be aged in 100% new, French oak barrels, a practice they continue using today. Next, François Mitjavile began harvesting later, picking riper fruit and reducing the yields.

François Mitjavile soon began moving to use organic, sustainable, vineyard farming techniques. It took only a few years until Tertre Roteboeuf became known as one of the top wines of the St. Emilion appellation.

The turnaround began with the 1989 vintage. Since 1989, Tertre Roteboeuf has maintained its status as one of the best wines from Saint Emilion.

Tertre Roteboeuf Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 6-hectare vineyard of Tertre Roteboeuf is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The vines are located in the southeastern sector of Saint Emilion. They are not far from Chateau Troplong Mondot, Chateau Larcis Ducasse and Chateau Pavie.

The terroir is a hillside slope with limestone and clay-based soils in one large block. The hillside elevation offered great, natural drainage. The vineyards of Tertre Roteboeuf are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. On average, the vines are 40 years of age.

However, some of the Cabernet Franc vines are closer to 50 years of age. Due to a combination of personal preference and their naturally cooler terroir, Tertre Roteboeuf is usually one of the last estates to finish harvesting in Saint Emilion.

Even though they start picking later than most estates in the region, because they usually complete their harvest over just a day or so, instead of picking over an extended period of time, they are able to retain the freshness needed in their fruit.

Tertre Roteboeuf Francois

Tertre Roteboeuf is not only unique in their style of wine, but they are also different when it comes to vineyard management. The vines are trained to be closer to the ground, which helps create their own, microclimate.

That makes their microclimate slightly warmer, by about 1 degree Celsius than other neighboring vineyards. This additional factor also aids in the degree of ripeness and maturity for the grapes and the wine.

This is accomplished by using the cordon system, instead of the more, widely adopted Guyot method. The lower trellising provides enough of a leaf canopy for the grapes.

Something else that sets Tertre Roteboeuf apart from other vineyards in the appellation, they do not green harvest. The vine density is kept at 5,555 vines per hectare.

To produce the wine of Tertre Roteboeuf, Francois Mitjavile starts with his desire to pick late and to seek low yields. Vinification takes place in traditional, cement vats.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. At Tertre Roteboeuf, it is always good to remember that many things are unique, and that includes part of the aging process.

While most barrel-aging cellars are quite cool that is not the case here. Because the cellars are underground, cut into the limestone, they can be cool.

But here, they purposely warm the cellars to as high as 20 degrees Celsius, (68 degrees Fahrenheit) during the aging process, which they believe allows for better and earlier, integration between the new oak barrels and the wine.

Because this process adds more air, and in essence, also adds somewhat of an oxidized quality, at Tertre Roteboeuf, they think this allows for a longer, and more complex aging to take place in the bottle.

From personal experience, I believe this definitely helps the wine of Tertre Roteboeuf enter an earlier plateau of maturity, while also, providing pleasure and complexity in its youth. But perhaps, this shortens the aging curve to a minor degree as well.

2013 Tertre Roteboeuf St. Emilion

Today, the wine of Tertre Roteboeuf is always aged in 100% new, French oak for 18 to 24 months. However, that was not always the case. For example in 1982, there was no new oak used. The wine was aged in vat and used oak barrels.

By 1985, the wines were being aged in 50% new, French oak barrels. While the wines are aged in 100% new oak, at Tertre Roteboeuf, they only use one type of oak barrel which is produced by Radoux.

The best vintages of Tertre Roteboeuf are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1990 and 1989. Older vintages should be approached with caution as they are not the same style of wine you find today.

While most Bordeaux wine is sold through negociants, that is not the case with Tertre Roteboeuf. They sell their wine outside the traditional negociant system and prefer to sell their wine direct to importers and merchants.

Interestingly, Tertre Roteboeuf goes their own way when it comes to the Saint Emilion Classification as well.

While they would easily be awarded Premier Cru Classe’ status, they prefer to remain unclassified. As the market sets the value and price, their decision has not hurt the wine as Tertre Roteboeuf remains one of the most expensive wines of the region.

When to Drink Tertre Roteboeuf, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Tertre Roteboeuf is much better with at least 8-10 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-3 hours or more

This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Tertre Roteboeuf offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-30 years of age after the vintage.

Serving and Decanting Tertre Roteboeuf with Wine and Food Pairing Tips

Tertre Roteboeuf is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Tertre Roteboeuf is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Tertre Roteboeuf is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

Tertre Roteboeuf Character and Style

Tertre Roteboeuf produces a unique style of Bordeaux wine from St. Emilion. There are a few reasons for this. First, there is no second wine.

The reason behind this according to François Mitjavile is, at Tertre Roteboeuf they are not only looking to produce the best wine possible. They also truly want each year to resemble the character of the vintage.

Ripe years should taste like fruit from ripe vintages. Lesser vintages should in turn, represent what the vineyards were able to do as well. In part, because the fruit is picked late, the wine of Tertre Roteboeuf offers a unique, powerful, crushed raspberry and mineral perfume, along with black cherry, licorice, and elements of kirsch.

The wine of Tertre Roteboeuf is rich, racy, and plush. With age, the wine develops exotic, opulent textures and aromatic qualities. However, it does not seem to make old bones. The wine might be best between 15 and 25 years of age, depending on the vintage.

The Mitjavile family owns two other Bordeaux properties; Domaine lAurage in Cotes de Castillon and Roc de Cambes in the appellation of Cotes de Bourg. LouisMitjavile and Caroline Mitjavile are completely in charge of the Cotes de Bordeaux property. You can expect to hear more about Louis Mitjavile as his consultancy business continues picking up more wineries.

 www.tertre-roteboeuf.com

Tertre Rôteboeuf Wine Tasting Notes

28 Vintages 332,548 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
97
Black raspberries, flowers, spice, mint, cocoa, licorice, espresso, and plums open the gorgeous perfume. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, deep, concentrated, long and luxurious. The extensive finish leaves you with spicy black raspberries, and plums. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% ABV, 3.8 pH. Harvesting took place October 5 - October 15. Drink from 2026-2050. 96-98 Pts.

Black raspberries, flowers, spice, mint, cocoa, licorice, espresso, and plums open the gorgeous perfume. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, deep, concentrated, long and luxurious. The extensive finish leaves you with spicy black raspberries, and plums. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% ABV, 3.8 pH. Harvesting took place October 5 - October 15. Drink from 2026-2050. 96-98 Pts.

4,613 Views   Tasted
2021
94
Flowers, spice, crushed stone, savory red fruit, raspberries, 5 spice, cinnamon, cherries and peppery spices create on the most compelling noses of the vintage. On the palate, the wine is earthy, lush, round and continues in the spicy mode in the mid-palate all the way through to the finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% ABV, the harvest took place October 5 - October 15. Drink from 2024-2045. 93-95

Flowers, spice, crushed stone, savory red fruit, raspberries, 5 spice, cinnamon, cherries and peppery spices create on the most compelling noses of the vintage. On the palate, the wine is earthy, lush, round and continues in the spicy mode in the mid-palate all the way through to the finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% ABV, the harvest took place October 5 - October 15. Drink from 2024-2045. 93-95

2,727 Views   Tasted
2020
98
Opulent, exotic, and sensuously-textured, the perfectly ripe, deep fruits are intense, sweet, fresh, long, spicy and earthy and opulently textured. There is intensity along with opulence and purity in every sip. This uniquely styled wine stands out in a crowd and should age and evolve for at least 2 decades or more with little effort. Drink from 2026-2048.

Opulent, exotic, and sensuously-textured, the perfectly ripe, deep fruits are intense, sweet, fresh, long, spicy and earthy and opulently textured. There is intensity along with opulence and purity in every sip. This uniquely styled wine stands out in a crowd and should age and evolve for at least 2 decades or more with little effort. Drink from 2026-2048.

2,342 Views   Tasted
The striking nose with its exotic perfume is just the start here. Full-bodied, opulent, sensuously textured, the fruits are perfectly ripe, fresh, sweet and addictive. With a fabulous blend of ripe and almost overripe crushed black raspberries, kirsch, flowers, crushed rocks and forest notes, the wine seeks your attention. Rich, silky, concentrated and multi-faceted, the wine is long, intense, pure and energetic. This uniquely styled wine stands out in a crowd and should age and evolve for at least 2-3 decades with little effort. 97-99 Pts

The striking nose with its exotic perfume is just the start here. Full-bodied, opulent, sensuously textured, the fruits are perfectly ripe, fresh, sweet and addictive. With a fabulous blend of ripe and almost overripe crushed black raspberries, kirsch, flowers, crushed rocks and forest notes, the wine seeks your attention. Rich, silky, concentrated and multi-faceted, the wine is long, intense, pure and energetic. This uniquely styled wine stands out in a crowd and should age and evolve for at least 2-3 decades with little effort. 97-99 Pts

4,252 Views   Tasted
2019
97
A big blast of black raspberries, truffle, black plums, black cherries, chocolate, licorice, earth, and spice in the nose and on the lusciously textured, powerful, full, rich palate. Long, expansive, mouth-filling, and packed with earthy, sweet, black raspberries with concentration, length, complexity, and a uniqueness of character that makes you want to know more about the wine, making you take sip after sip. Drink from 2025-2049.

A big blast of black raspberries, truffle, black plums, black cherries, chocolate, licorice, earth, and spice in the nose and on the lusciously textured, powerful, full, rich palate. Long, expansive, mouth-filling, and packed with earthy, sweet, black raspberries with concentration, length, complexity, and a uniqueness of character that makes you want to know more about the wine, making you take sip after sip. Drink from 2025-2049.

3,109 Views   Tasted
Earthy crushed raspberries are all over the place here, on the nose and palate. Mouth-filling, flashy, vibrant, juicy, sweet and fresh, there is an exotic quality to the texture that is unique to Tertre Roteboeuf. There is good concentration, length, complexity, expansiveness and a uniqueness of character that makes you want to know more about the wine, making you take sip after sip. 96-98 Pts

Earthy crushed raspberries are all over the place here, on the nose and palate. Mouth-filling, flashy, vibrant, juicy, sweet and fresh, there is an exotic quality to the texture that is unique to Tertre Roteboeuf. There is good concentration, length, complexity, expansiveness and a uniqueness of character that makes you want to know more about the wine, making you take sip after sip. 96-98 Pts

7,648 Views   Tasted
2018
97
Intense aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, plum liqueur, fig, Kahlua, smoke, licorice and cocoa grab and keep your attention. Full-bodied, luscious, rich, intense and seductive, the fruit coats and seduces your palate with layers of silky, velvet drenched fruit that goes on and on and on.vThe wine is made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, reaching 15% ABV. Yes, those numbers are high but the wine is not hot or jammy.

Intense aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, plum liqueur, fig, Kahlua, smoke, licorice and cocoa grab and keep your attention. Full-bodied, luscious, rich, intense and seductive, the fruit coats and seduces your palate with layers of silky, velvet drenched fruit that goes on and on and on.vThe wine is made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, reaching 15% ABV. Yes, those numbers are high but the wine is not hot or jammy.

5,693 Views   Tasted
2017
94
A surprise of spearmint mixed with dewy soil, thyme, coffee and black cherries bring out the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, aristocratic and finesse driven. The fruit is vibrant and there is a nectarous interlude in the mid-palate, coupled with a silky finish that focuses on the purity in the fruits over power.

A surprise of spearmint mixed with dewy soil, thyme, coffee and black cherries bring out the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, aristocratic and finesse driven. The fruit is vibrant and there is a nectarous interlude in the mid-palate, coupled with a silky finish that focuses on the purity in the fruits over power.

4,455 Views   Tasted
2016
98
Loaded with sweet, black raspberries, flowers, herbs, spice, truffle, licorice and cherry on the nose, the wine is equally as enthralling on the palate. Sensuous, silky, vibrant and spicy, the purity in the melange of plums and cherry, paired with vanilla, spearmint, licorice and earth is on the mid palate and in the long finish, which clocks in at more than 50 seconds. The wine was produced from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Loaded with sweet, black raspberries, flowers, herbs, spice, truffle, licorice and cherry on the nose, the wine is equally as enthralling on the palate. Sensuous, silky, vibrant and spicy, the purity in the melange of plums and cherry, paired with vanilla, spearmint, licorice and earth is on the mid palate and in the long finish, which clocks in at more than 50 seconds. The wine was produced from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

6,344 Views   Tasted
Lusciously textured, fresh black raspberries, wild cherries, wet earth, oyster shell, smoke, licorice and forest scents create a complex set of aromas. Exotic Indian silk, virgin velvet, ruby fruits, anisette and soft tannins make this a hedonistic thrill ride. The wine was produced from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Lusciously textured, fresh black raspberries, wild cherries, wet earth, oyster shell, smoke, licorice and forest scents create a complex set of aromas. Exotic Indian silk, virgin velvet, ruby fruits, anisette and soft tannins make this a hedonistic thrill ride. The wine was produced from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

8,709 Views   Tasted
2015
98
From the get-go, this is so sexy. Voluptuous, sensuous, silky and exotic, the fruit is perfectly ripe. There is concentration and lift, with a perfume you cannot get enough of. On the palate, the red fruits offer intensity, purity and length. This will age and develop for at least 20 years or more without effort.

From the get-go, this is so sexy. Voluptuous, sensuous, silky and exotic, the fruit is perfectly ripe. There is concentration and lift, with a perfume you cannot get enough of. On the palate, the red fruits offer intensity, purity and length. This will age and develop for at least 20 years or more without effort.

6,415 Views   Tasted
Either I was off the first time I tasted the wine, the sample was off, or both. I'm happy I had the chance to retaste the wine as the second showing several weeks later was rocking! Silky, lush, concentrated, ripe, fresh, sweet, exotic and mineral driven, the wine combines power with opulence, ripe fruits, length and intensity. 97-99 Pts

Either I was off the first time I tasted the wine, the sample was off, or both. I'm happy I had the chance to retaste the wine as the second showing several weeks later was rocking! Silky, lush, concentrated, ripe, fresh, sweet, exotic and mineral driven, the wine combines power with opulence, ripe fruits, length and intensity. 97-99 Pts

8,110 Views   Tasted
Earth, truffle, smoke, herbs and truffle. The wine shows an earthy, saline, stony quality concentration of ripe, dark plums with round powerful, tannins. This is perhaps the deepest, darkest vintage ever produced at Tertre Roteboeuf. The wine was made from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, The harvest took place from October 11 to October 12, making this one of the last estates in St. Emilion to pick. The wine reached 14.5% ABV

Earth, truffle, smoke, herbs and truffle. The wine shows an earthy, saline, stony quality concentration of ripe, dark plums with round powerful, tannins. This is perhaps the deepest, darkest vintage ever produced at Tertre Roteboeuf. The wine was made from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, The harvest took place from October 11 to October 12, making this one of the last estates in St. Emilion to pick. The wine reached 14.5% ABV

6,088 Views   Tasted
2014
94
Silky, sweet soft, fresh fruits with a focus on ripe, cherries, black raspberry, floral and a touch of exotic citrus in the end note. Medium/full bodied with a fresh, sweet, rich, raspberry note in the finish that really hangs on.

Silky, sweet soft, fresh fruits with a focus on ripe, cherries, black raspberry, floral and a touch of exotic citrus in the end note. Medium/full bodied with a fresh, sweet, rich, raspberry note in the finish that really hangs on.

3,209 Views   Tasted
From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, scents of wet earth, forest, caramel and black raspberries pop from the glass. In the mouth, lush cherry griotte, fresh black raspberry and spice, leave a lasting impression. The harvest took place from October 15 to October 20, making this one of the property’s latest crops. The wine reached 13.8% ABV and the pH is 3.88. 93-95 Pts

From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, scents of wet earth, forest, caramel and black raspberries pop from the glass. In the mouth, lush cherry griotte, fresh black raspberry and spice, leave a lasting impression. The harvest took place from October 15 to October 20, making this one of the property’s latest crops. The wine reached 13.8% ABV and the pH is 3.88. 93-95 Pts

4,486 Views   Tasted
2013
94
Truffle, barnyard, licorice, espresso bean, black cherry, smoke and jam make up the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is rich, silky and soft, offering a density of flavor, freshness and sweet, ripe plum that was difficult to achieve in this vintage. From yields of 15 hectoliters, the wine blends 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. In 2013, Tertre Roteboeuf was only able to produce 30% of their normal production. The wine reached 13.9% ABV with a pH of 3.8 and is aging in 100% new French oak. Picked between October 16 and October 18, this is one of the latest harvests for this individualistic estate. This would be a good wine any vintage, but in 2913, this is a miracle! 93-95 Pts

Truffle, barnyard, licorice, espresso bean, black cherry, smoke and jam make up the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is rich, silky and soft, offering a density of flavor, freshness and sweet, ripe plum that was difficult to achieve in this vintage. From yields of 15 hectoliters, the wine blends 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. In 2013, Tertre Roteboeuf was only able to produce 30% of their normal production. The wine reached 13.9% ABV with a pH of 3.8 and is aging in 100% new French oak. Picked between October 16 and October 18, this is one of the latest harvests for this individualistic estate. This would be a good wine any vintage, but in 2913, this is a miracle! 93-95 Pts

4,132 Views   Tasted
2012
96
Voluptuous, silky and plush, with a core of ripe black raspberries, earth and spice. The wine coats your palate with layers of sweet, ripe fruits, velvety tannins and opulent, exotic textures. The wine is concentrated, rich and intense, yet everything is perfectly in balance with all it has to offer.

Voluptuous, silky and plush, with a core of ripe black raspberries, earth and spice. The wine coats your palate with layers of sweet, ripe fruits, velvety tannins and opulent, exotic textures. The wine is concentrated, rich and intense, yet everything is perfectly in balance with all it has to offer.

5,791 Views   Tasted
Always a fun place to taste, I was told pick the barrel I wanted to choose from and went with lucky number 7. From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% ABV. The fruit, harvested in a single day on October 8, sings with licorice, spicy raspberries and earth. Fresh, pure raspberries, silky tannins and lush textures end with ripe, sweet cherries. 94-95 Pts

Always a fun place to taste, I was told pick the barrel I wanted to choose from and went with lucky number 7. From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% ABV. The fruit, harvested in a single day on October 8, sings with licorice, spicy raspberries and earth. Fresh, pure raspberries, silky tannins and lush textures end with ripe, sweet cherries. 94-95 Pts

6,279 Views   Tasted
2011
92
If you ever cook with truffle and raspberry to create an exotic dish, I’m sure this will offer a similar result. Silky, mineral driven, with a saline quality to the tannins along with spicy, fresh, red berries and earthy notes. This is a wine to enjoy in its youth.

If you ever cook with truffle and raspberry to create an exotic dish, I’m sure this will offer a similar result. Silky, mineral driven, with a saline quality to the tannins along with spicy, fresh, red berries and earthy notes. This is a wine to enjoy in its youth.

4,646 Views   Tasted
From 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aged in 100% new oak and reached 13.5% ABV. Licorice, coffee, earth and black cherry jam aromas lead to a medium-bodied, silky, fresh and ripe plum- and red cherry-dominated wine. 92-93 Pts

From 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aged in 100% new oak and reached 13.5% ABV. Licorice, coffee, earth and black cherry jam aromas lead to a medium-bodied, silky, fresh and ripe plum- and red cherry-dominated wine. 92-93 Pts

5,179 Views   Tasted
2010
97
Smoke, licorice, vanilla bean, toast, ripe and over ripe plum notes create the perfume. This is incredibly dense, sensuous and glycerin filled, the wine slips and slides all over your palate. With massive concentration and intensity of flavor, the wine is sexy, showy and flamboyant. There is no sensation of heat in the 16% percent finish. This is a wine for tasters seeking a night of hedonistic pleasure.

Smoke, licorice, vanilla bean, toast, ripe and over ripe plum notes create the perfume. This is incredibly dense, sensuous and glycerin filled, the wine slips and slides all over your palate. With massive concentration and intensity of flavor, the wine is sexy, showy and flamboyant. There is no sensation of heat in the 16% percent finish. This is a wine for tasters seeking a night of hedonistic pleasure.

8,538 Views   Tasted
2010 Tertre Roteboeuf From an assemblage of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 15.6% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The wine does not feel hot. With massive amounts of glycerin, the wine offers exotic textures not found in other wines. The wine will be aged in 100% new oak barrels from Radoux. With a strong perfume filled with iron, oak, jammy red and black berries and fennel, this lush, unctuous, unique expression of St. Emilion is sweet, mouth filling, opulent and loaded with oaky, sweet, candied black and red berries, licorice and roasted fruits. 95-97 Pts

2010 Tertre Roteboeuf From an assemblage of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 15.6% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The wine does not feel hot. With massive amounts of glycerin, the wine offers exotic textures not found in other wines. The wine will be aged in 100% new oak barrels from Radoux. With a strong perfume filled with iron, oak, jammy red and black berries and fennel, this lush, unctuous, unique expression of St. Emilion is sweet, mouth filling, opulent and loaded with oaky, sweet, candied black and red berries, licorice and roasted fruits. 95-97 Pts

8,301 Views   Tasted
2009
96
It is hard to believe that its been 7 years since I last tasted this idiosyncratic beauty. The ripe, juicy, flamboyant raspberries and cherries are really starting to pop. From there you find a complex array of truffle, forest floor, licorice, espresso and jam notes that make you go back for more. . On the palate, the crushed rock, smoke, thyme and melange of red fruits really hits the spot! This is just starting to enter its prime time window. You can enjoy this now, or wait 3-5 more years. Either way, this is a winner!

It is hard to believe that its been 7 years since I last tasted this idiosyncratic beauty. The ripe, juicy, flamboyant raspberries and cherries are really starting to pop. From there you find a complex array of truffle, forest floor, licorice, espresso and jam notes that make you go back for more. . On the palate, the crushed rock, smoke, thyme and melange of red fruits really hits the spot! This is just starting to enter its prime time window. You can enjoy this now, or wait 3-5 more years. Either way, this is a winner!

4,173 Views   Tasted
Forest floor, wet earth, truffle, licorice, coffee bean, sweet black plums, black raspberry jam and toast scents create the complex aromas. On the palate, the supple textured, opulent, low acid wine is filled with minerals, fresh, ripe cherry, black raspberry, licorice and plum liqueur. There is no sensation of heat in the 15.5% ABV.

Forest floor, wet earth, truffle, licorice, coffee bean, sweet black plums, black raspberry jam and toast scents create the complex aromas. On the palate, the supple textured, opulent, low acid wine is filled with minerals, fresh, ripe cherry, black raspberry, licorice and plum liqueur. There is no sensation of heat in the 15.5% ABV.

6,777 Views   Tasted
2008
95
Silky, fresh, elegant and vibrant, the essence of juicy, sweet, ripe, red cherries and raspberry is all over the place. Things get better and more complicated as the flowery, truffle, earth, smoke and licorice come into play. Sensuously textured with a beautiful purity of fruit, this elegantly styled treat is really starting to show well.

Silky, fresh, elegant and vibrant, the essence of juicy, sweet, ripe, red cherries and raspberry is all over the place. Things get better and more complicated as the flowery, truffle, earth, smoke and licorice come into play. Sensuously textured with a beautiful purity of fruit, this elegantly styled treat is really starting to show well.

4,058 Views   Tasted
08 Tertre Roteboeuf, from 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc, has aromas of licorice, coffee, blackberry, kirsch, and jammy raspberry. The palate enjoys a sensuous display of juicy black plum and chocolate in the long finish. The wine is ripe, full bodied, concentrated, and round. The estate uses only one kind of oak, Radoux, picked for the matching grain. The property blends shortly after fermentation. 92-95 Pts

08 Tertre Roteboeuf, from 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc, has aromas of licorice, coffee, blackberry, kirsch, and jammy raspberry. The palate enjoys a sensuous display of juicy black plum and chocolate in the long finish. The wine is ripe, full bodied, concentrated, and round. The estate uses only one kind of oak, Radoux, picked for the matching grain. The property blends shortly after fermentation. 92-95 Pts

5,493 Views   Tasted
2007
92
One of the top wines from the Right Bank in most years, and 2007 is no exception. Finesse in style, there is a freshness to the black raspberry tinted fruits, with the added nuances of cherry blossoms, wet earth and hints of thyme. Softly textured, with silky, soft, polished red fruits in the finish, the wine was produced from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc.

One of the top wines from the Right Bank in most years, and 2007 is no exception. Finesse in style, there is a freshness to the black raspberry tinted fruits, with the added nuances of cherry blossoms, wet earth and hints of thyme. Softly textured, with silky, soft, polished red fruits in the finish, the wine was produced from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc.

3,587 Views   Tasted
2006
91
Light in color, the wine looks much older than its current age. Jammy black raspberry, vanilla, kirsch and spice aromas greet your nose. The charming, St. Emilion wine feels polished and silky in texture, but it's rapidly reaching maturity at an early age. I'd opt for drinking this sooner than later.

Light in color, the wine looks much older than its current age. Jammy black raspberry, vanilla, kirsch and spice aromas greet your nose. The charming, St. Emilion wine feels polished and silky in texture, but it's rapidly reaching maturity at an early age. I'd opt for drinking this sooner than later.

4,501 Views   Tasted
2005
97
With its earthy, black raspberry, caramel center, fresh black raspberry liqueur, truffle, smoke and herb finish, this full bodied, concentrated, ripe, plush, sensuous, opulently textured wine is already starting to show well. If you’re lucky enough to have a few bottles in your cellar, another 2-4 years of sleep will add a lot more complexity to the wine.

With its earthy, black raspberry, caramel center, fresh black raspberry liqueur, truffle, smoke and herb finish, this full bodied, concentrated, ripe, plush, sensuous, opulently textured wine is already starting to show well. If you’re lucky enough to have a few bottles in your cellar, another 2-4 years of sleep will add a lot more complexity to the wine.

6,130 Views   Tasted
Not always the deepest colored St. Emilion, but this is darker in hue than most vintages. Perfume seems to waft from the freshly popped bottle with scents of spicy, jammy, black raspberry, plums and overripe cherries. Your palate is transfixed by the luxurious quality of the fruit that flows into your mouth. This Bordeaux is very sweet, concentrated and ends in a lingering black cherry note.

Not always the deepest colored St. Emilion, but this is darker in hue than most vintages. Perfume seems to waft from the freshly popped bottle with scents of spicy, jammy, black raspberry, plums and overripe cherries. Your palate is transfixed by the luxurious quality of the fruit that flows into your mouth. This Bordeaux is very sweet, concentrated and ends in a lingering black cherry note.

5,402 Views   Tasted
2004
94
Earthy, smoky, plum liqueur, tobacco and truffle aromas are perfectly paired with the silky, polished, sexy, exotic textured fruit and spice that coats your palate with sweet, fresh cherries. This is drinking in the sweet spot today.

Earthy, smoky, plum liqueur, tobacco and truffle aromas are perfectly paired with the silky, polished, sexy, exotic textured fruit and spice that coats your palate with sweet, fresh cherries. This is drinking in the sweet spot today.

5,751 Views   Tasted
2003
91
Silky, ripe wild strawberries, cherry and raspberry sensations with sensuous textures with just a hint of dryness in the finish. This is still showing well, but there is no reason to hold it any longer as the fruit is only going to fade from here.

Silky, ripe wild strawberries, cherry and raspberry sensations with sensuous textures with just a hint of dryness in the finish. This is still showing well, but there is no reason to hold it any longer as the fruit is only going to fade from here.

4,894 Views   Tasted
2001
92
Jammy black raspberries, kirsch, cocoa, black cherry, fennel, smoke and stone create a complex perfume. Medium/full bodied, with sensuous, round textures and a plush, ripe, red berry finish are what you’ll find in this mature St. Emilion. Tertre Roteboeuf is a wonderful expression of Bordeaux, but it’s not the longest lived wine. I’d drink this over the next 5-8 years.

Jammy black raspberries, kirsch, cocoa, black cherry, fennel, smoke and stone create a complex perfume. Medium/full bodied, with sensuous, round textures and a plush, ripe, red berry finish are what you’ll find in this mature St. Emilion. Tertre Roteboeuf is a wonderful expression of Bordeaux, but it’s not the longest lived wine. I’d drink this over the next 5-8 years.

2,920 Views   Tasted
2000
96
Floral, silky, fresh and with a beautiful purity to the black raspberry, cherry and plum fruits, the exotically textured mouth-feel combines sensuality and fullness, with length and complexity. This is really drinking in the sweet spot today.

Floral, silky, fresh and with a beautiful purity to the black raspberry, cherry and plum fruits, the exotically textured mouth-feel combines sensuality and fullness, with length and complexity. This is really drinking in the sweet spot today.

3,452 Views   Tasted
Silky, sensuous, rich, pure and just frankly delicious, the wine has moved into prime time drinking, with layers of juicy, perfectly ripe, plums, black cherry, smoke and licorice. Decanted about 30 minutes, this was ready to go.

Silky, sensuous, rich, pure and just frankly delicious, the wine has moved into prime time drinking, with layers of juicy, perfectly ripe, plums, black cherry, smoke and licorice. Decanted about 30 minutes, this was ready to go.

4,319 Views   Tasted
Elegant, silky, refined and sensuous, the fruit feels great on your palate and tastes even better. Truffle, flowers, black cherry, raspberry and licorice are right where they need to be. Polished and fresh, this is drinking close to peak.

Elegant, silky, refined and sensuous, the fruit feels great on your palate and tastes even better. Truffle, flowers, black cherry, raspberry and licorice are right where they need to be. Polished and fresh, this is drinking close to peak.

4,868 Views   Tasted
Medium/full bodied, with a sweet, fresh, soft, silky black raspberry, red plum and cherry character, the wine is elegant, supple, soft, silky and fresh, with a nice purity of fruit from start to finish. Still youthful, there is a lot of upside to this wine. I've tasted slightly better bottles from the same case. Note to self, try another bottle in the near future.

Medium/full bodied, with a sweet, fresh, soft, silky black raspberry, red plum and cherry character, the wine is elegant, supple, soft, silky and fresh, with a nice purity of fruit from start to finish. Still youthful, there is a lot of upside to this wine. I've tasted slightly better bottles from the same case. Note to self, try another bottle in the near future.

4,308 Views   Tasted
Still deeply colored, with an earthy, smoky, black raspberry and truffle nose, the wine is polished, fresh, soft, round and deep. It's showing great today and could improve with a few more years. Very stylish wine here.

Still deeply colored, with an earthy, smoky, black raspberry and truffle nose, the wine is polished, fresh, soft, round and deep. It's showing great today and could improve with a few more years. Very stylish wine here.

5,506 Views   Tasted
This opens up with crushed raspberry, plum, black cherry and licorice aromas. Sexy, soft, silky and intense, the wine fills your mouth with freshness and soft textures.

This opens up with crushed raspberry, plum, black cherry and licorice aromas. Sexy, soft, silky and intense, the wine fills your mouth with freshness and soft textures.

6,211 Views   Tasted
1999
91
Fully mature, the wine screams with ripe and over ripe black raspberries, earth, stone, spice, plum and licorice. Silky, soft and smooth, this is drinking at its peak today.

Fully mature, the wine screams with ripe and over ripe black raspberries, earth, stone, spice, plum and licorice. Silky, soft and smooth, this is drinking at its peak today.

4,506 Views   Tasted
1998
96
Black cherries, chocolate, smoke, spice, chocolate and roses meld together. The wine is lush, rich, full, opulent and elegant with a silky, polished, long finish. Fully mature, this is a beauty that I seem to have seriously underrated. Drink from 2023-2030.

Black cherries, chocolate, smoke, spice, chocolate and roses meld together. The wine is lush, rich, full, opulent and elegant with a silky, polished, long finish. Fully mature, this is a beauty that I seem to have seriously underrated. Drink from 2023-2030.

2,256 Views   Tasted
What the wine lacks for in the power department, it more than makes for it with a liberal dose of elegance, complexity and grace. The nose, with its blend of tobacco, black raspberry and truffle, the palate with its soft, silky charms, the finish with its lush, fresh, black raspberry essence is impossible not to like. Popped and poured, this is at peak. Drink it over the next decade or so.

What the wine lacks for in the power department, it more than makes for it with a liberal dose of elegance, complexity and grace. The nose, with its blend of tobacco, black raspberry and truffle, the palate with its soft, silky charms, the finish with its lush, fresh, black raspberry essence is impossible not to like. Popped and poured, this is at peak. Drink it over the next decade or so.

3,562 Views   Tasted
This is the perfect time to pop a cork, the wine is soft, polished, soft and silky, there is a beauty of fresh black raspberries, flowers, spice and earth coupled with freshness and silk that makes each sip a treat.

This is the perfect time to pop a cork, the wine is soft, polished, soft and silky, there is a beauty of fresh black raspberries, flowers, spice and earth coupled with freshness and silk that makes each sip a treat.

3,681 Views   Tasted
Popped and poured, the black raspberry, floral, licorice, stone, cigar box and smoky tobacco scented nose grabbed your attention. At first the wine felt a little rustic, but with air, the textures softened and filled out, leaving you with sensuous, silky, dark red berries. I am not sure where this wine is going, but there is probably no reason to hold off from opening a bottle today.

Popped and poured, the black raspberry, floral, licorice, stone, cigar box and smoky tobacco scented nose grabbed your attention. At first the wine felt a little rustic, but with air, the textures softened and filled out, leaving you with sensuous, silky, dark red berries. I am not sure where this wine is going, but there is probably no reason to hold off from opening a bottle today.

3,398 Views   Tasted
Licorice, black raspberry, black cherry liqueur, truffle, spice and minerals, plush, silky, glycerin filled textures and a supple, lush, almost exotic, fresh, pure, earthy, plum and raspberry filled finish. This is drinking perfectly today.

Licorice, black raspberry, black cherry liqueur, truffle, spice and minerals, plush, silky, glycerin filled textures and a supple, lush, almost exotic, fresh, pure, earthy, plum and raspberry filled finish. This is drinking perfectly today.

4,287 Views   Tasted
Truffle, fresh picked raspberry, spearmint, wild cherries, licorice, coffee bean, stone, chocoalte and floral notes pique your senses. On the palate, this is pure hedonism. Liquid silk, velvet, plush, decadent textures which end in fresh, chocolate covered, black raspberries. If those descriptor does not work, try liquid sex. This has become a much better wine over the past few years. Its just entered the the serious, prime time drinking stage. Drink it now, and over the next decade. If the finish was a but longer, the wine would have earned an even higher scores. This is a superb Tertre Roteboeuf.

Truffle, fresh picked raspberry, spearmint, wild cherries, licorice, coffee bean, stone, chocoalte and floral notes pique your senses. On the palate, this is pure hedonism. Liquid silk, velvet, plush, decadent textures which end in fresh, chocolate covered, black raspberries. If those descriptor does not work, try liquid sex. This has become a much better wine over the past few years. Its just entered the the serious, prime time drinking stage. Drink it now, and over the next decade. If the finish was a but longer, the wine would have earned an even higher scores. This is a superb Tertre Roteboeuf.

3,768 Views   Tasted
Licorice, black raspberry and dark cherry scents are easy to find. Soft silky textures are paired with a lush, dark fruit finish.

Licorice, black raspberry and dark cherry scents are easy to find. Soft silky textures are paired with a lush, dark fruit finish.

6,654 Views   Tasted
This magical perfume sports tell tale aromas of fresh, ripe raspberry liquor and kirsch. Lush, exotic and plush entry with a long, complex finish. The wine will improve. But, it's a good time to start drinking it.

This magical perfume sports tell tale aromas of fresh, ripe raspberry liquor and kirsch. Lush, exotic and plush entry with a long, complex finish. The wine will improve. But, it's a good time to start drinking it.

6,417 Views   Tasted
Raspberry liquor and Kirsch greet you. With time, added complexities emerge. Lush and exotic in the mouth and palate. Very rich. Some tannin, but, there is no reason not to be drinking this wine today.

Raspberry liquor and Kirsch greet you. With time, added complexities emerge. Lush and exotic in the mouth and palate. Very rich. Some tannin, but, there is no reason not to be drinking this wine today.

6,342 Views   Tasted
1995
91
In 1995, Tertre Roteboeuf managed to avoid the problem with stern tannins faced by so many growers. Close to fully mature, the wine offers sweet black raspberry, kirsch, mineral, earth, mushroom, herb and iron scents. Medium bodied, fresh and lively, but lacking the sensuous, lush qualities found in the best vintages.

In 1995, Tertre Roteboeuf managed to avoid the problem with stern tannins faced by so many growers. Close to fully mature, the wine offers sweet black raspberry, kirsch, mineral, earth, mushroom, herb and iron scents. Medium bodied, fresh and lively, but lacking the sensuous, lush qualities found in the best vintages.

4,801 Views   Tasted
1990
96
Fully mature, it\'s easy to enjoy the smoky, licorice, black raspberry, earth and stone driven perfume. Soft, silky and smooth on the palate, the wine ends with a sweet, cherry, raspberry and earthy essence. There is no reason to hold this any longer.

Fully mature, it\'s easy to enjoy the smoky, licorice, black raspberry, earth and stone driven perfume. Soft, silky and smooth on the palate, the wine ends with a sweet, cherry, raspberry and earthy essence. There is no reason to hold this any longer.

3,800 Views   Tasted
Licorice, minerality, truffle, plums, cassis, earth, spice and an elegant note of fresh picked raspberry create a complex fragrance. In the mouth, the feels lush, round and soft to the touch, finishing with chocolate, silky black cherry and spice sensations. This wine is fully mature. Over the past few years, the wine has gained in complexity, but its lost some of its density and power. I'm going to finish my case over the next 3-5 years.

Licorice, minerality, truffle, plums, cassis, earth, spice and an elegant note of fresh picked raspberry create a complex fragrance. In the mouth, the feels lush, round and soft to the touch, finishing with chocolate, silky black cherry and spice sensations. This wine is fully mature. Over the past few years, the wine has gained in complexity, but its lost some of its density and power. I'm going to finish my case over the next 3-5 years.

5,191 Views   Tasted
Rich, opulent, concentrated and filled with glycerin. This plummy, raspberry and black cherry wine was slipping and sliding all over my palate. Very sexy juice. It's drinking well now, but it should improve for a few more years and offer pleasure for another 15 or 20. This is a wine for pleasure seeking hedonists.

Rich, opulent, concentrated and filled with glycerin. This plummy, raspberry and black cherry wine was slipping and sliding all over my palate. Very sexy juice. It's drinking well now, but it should improve for a few more years and offer pleasure for another 15 or 20. This is a wine for pleasure seeking hedonists.

5,372 Views   Tasted
A mélange of red and black fruits, kirsch and jammy raspberries kick the aromatics into high gear. Full bodied, round and ripe, the wine ends in a blast of black raspberry and licorice and spice.

A mélange of red and black fruits, kirsch and jammy raspberries kick the aromatics into high gear. Full bodied, round and ripe, the wine ends in a blast of black raspberry and licorice and spice.

5,330 Views   Tasted
Potent aromas of jammy, black fruit, raspberry, coffee and earth. Full bodied, rich, thick with a luscious texture. A very distinctive style of wine.

Potent aromas of jammy, black fruit, raspberry, coffee and earth. Full bodied, rich, thick with a luscious texture. A very distinctive style of wine.

5,067 Views   Tasted
1989
93
Fully mature, if you have a bottle, you should consider popping a cork so you can get the most of its fresh, ripe, black raspberries, flowers, earth, licorice and liqueur profile. Silky, soft and smooth, this is at, or sightly past its apogee.

Fully mature, if you have a bottle, you should consider popping a cork so you can get the most of its fresh, ripe, black raspberries, flowers, earth, licorice and liqueur profile. Silky, soft and smooth, this is at, or sightly past its apogee.

3,794 Views   Tasted
This wine has shown a lot of bottle variation. spicy raspberry, earthy, herbal, plumy, black cherry nose. Rich, complex, and multi layered, this unique expression of St. Emilion has reached maturity. The wine ends with a big mouth of chocolate covered strawberry flavor and velvet textures

This wine has shown a lot of bottle variation. spicy raspberry, earthy, herbal, plumy, black cherry nose. Rich, complex, and multi layered, this unique expression of St. Emilion has reached maturity. The wine ends with a big mouth of chocolate covered strawberry flavor and velvet textures

6,773 Views   Tasted
It's always a nice surprise when the last bottle from a case turns out better than expected. Licorice, truffle, black cherry and smoke aromas led to an opulent, exotically textured wine. Rich and filled with layers of ripe juicy plums, this earthy wine finishes with chocolate, black raspberry and plums. This is probably fully mature. There is no reason to hold it any longer.

It's always a nice surprise when the last bottle from a case turns out better than expected. Licorice, truffle, black cherry and smoke aromas led to an opulent, exotically textured wine. Rich and filled with layers of ripe juicy plums, this earthy wine finishes with chocolate, black raspberry and plums. This is probably fully mature. There is no reason to hold it any longer.

5,984 Views   Tasted
Black cherry and black raspberries blended perfectly in the nose which was further complicated with scents of jam, licorice, coffee and spice. Soft, round and opulent, this racy St. Emilion finished with flavors with sweet, black raspberries.

Black cherry and black raspberries blended perfectly in the nose which was further complicated with scents of jam, licorice, coffee and spice. Soft, round and opulent, this racy St. Emilion finished with flavors with sweet, black raspberries.

6,776 Views   Tasted
Stuffed with ripe, fresh, raspberry, minerals and fresh herbs, this rich, ripe, fresh and expressive wine ends with opulent, silky, black raspberry, licorice and dark cherry flavors.

Stuffed with ripe, fresh, raspberry, minerals and fresh herbs, this rich, ripe, fresh and expressive wine ends with opulent, silky, black raspberry, licorice and dark cherry flavors.

6,739 Views   Tasted
The wine starts with an earthy, herbal, plummy nose complicated by scents of stewed black and red fruits and hints of black raspberry. Very sexy, plush mouth feel. Good concentration and a long, clean, velvety finish.

The wine starts with an earthy, herbal, plummy nose complicated by scents of stewed black and red fruits and hints of black raspberry. Very sexy, plush mouth feel. Good concentration and a long, clean, velvety finish.

6,634 Views   Tasted
The wine lacked the depth and concentration of better bottles. Higher in acid and brighter in flavor than usual, this also seemed fully mature. The tell tale ripe raspberry notes were present, but they were not out in full force and there was a slight tartness in the marginally clipped finish. This bottle was not singing as loud as I was hoping for.

The wine lacked the depth and concentration of better bottles. Higher in acid and brighter in flavor than usual, this also seemed fully mature. The tell tale ripe raspberry notes were present, but they were not out in full force and there was a slight tartness in the marginally clipped finish. This bottle was not singing as loud as I was hoping for.

6,076 Views   Tasted
This kinky, exotic, decadent wine is so much fun to drink. Tertre is one of the easier wines to recognize due to its exotic, red, fruit and herb tinted character.

This kinky, exotic, decadent wine is so much fun to drink. Tertre is one of the easier wines to recognize due to its exotic, red, fruit and herb tinted character.

3,820 Views   Tasted
When first meeting this wine, you’re introduced to an explosion of red and black fruit, roasted plums and a fabulous raspberry note. This wine is huge, ripe, sweet and perfectly balanced. The long spicy, red fruit finish is compelling

When first meeting this wine, you’re introduced to an explosion of red and black fruit, roasted plums and a fabulous raspberry note. This wine is huge, ripe, sweet and perfectly balanced. The long spicy, red fruit finish is compelling

4,097 Views   Tasted
1985
80
All earth and tobacco, with rustic textures and only a minimal amount of fruit remaining. This has probably been past its prime for over a decade.

All earth and tobacco, with rustic textures and only a minimal amount of fruit remaining. This has probably been past its prime for over a decade.

4,007 Views   Tasted