du Tertre Margaux 2005

93 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot). A classy, balanced and sumptuous du Tertre, a ton of appellation and vintage signature. Lace-like tannins, overperforms the estate at the time, showing just how much quality and value is out there for this vintage. Brambled fruits, orange peel freshness, extremely easy to drink, floral aromatics, nothing shouting, all discreet but confident. This is a brilliant moment to drink - at the height of its powers, get hold of it and enjoy. It's not going anywhere but it's peaking in terms of delivering the young-old fruit balance. If you bought a few cases of this, you have plenty of drinking pleasure ahead of you. Alcohol 13%. Drink: 2022-2038. (6/24/22)"

93 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Medium/full bodied, richly textured with a lush character to the fruit and tannins. Silky, sensuous and charming, the fruit feels great, the finish offers freshness and length along with tension. You can drink this now, or age it for further development. The wine was made blending 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. (Jul 2017)"

93 points (16.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "Very charming, the 2006 and 2005 are evolving gracefully and becoming rounder. We can already enjoy them. (Jan 2010)"

91 points Falstaff: "Strong ruby garnet, violet reflections, broad rim brightening, fine, restrained red berry confit on the nose, delicate dried fruit touch. Elegant on the palate, delicately spicy, pleasant acid structure, red berries, good tannin balance, very harmonious, with good length, finesse-rich style. (Mar 2006)"

91 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Beautiful flavor of licorice, less marked by the sun than other wines from other crus, tight body and creamy texture, good length. A wine of high class that displays a freshness on the finish rare for this vintage. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"

90 points Robert Parker: "Even in the highly acclaimed 2005 vintage, Du Tertre remains under most consumer’s radar. Made by essentially the same winemaking team as Giscours, this cuvee exhibits a dense purple color, followed by earthy, truffle, smoky blackberry, floral, and cassis aromas. It is a beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied wine with abundant but sweet tannin, fine opulence, a multilayered texture, and a long finish that is neither aggressive nor astringent. Cellar it for another 3-4 years, and consume it over the following 20-25. (Apr 2008)"

90 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2005 du Tertre is a bold, savory wine, as it so often is. Game, scorched earth, licorice, tobacco and dried herbs give this dark, virile Margaux much of its distinctive personality. The 2005 has aged well. I would prefer to drink it over the next handful of years, before the fruit fully fades, even though there is enough density to allow for aging beyond that. Structurally, du Tertre is a bit lighter than most Margaux in 2005. Drink: 2021-2025. (Apr 2021)"

90 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "It is easy to understand the controversy that follows this wine as even our tasters were split in their opinions. We agree that it is what the pundits would call "new school" with its oaky riches and its plump early feel on the palate, and we think it succeeds well in that vein, but the minority view is that the mix of plump center and hard shell is disconcerting. We say, "Age it". Local wines in this come around, and so will this one. (Apr 2008)"

18/20 points Decanter: "Still young, with plenty of life ahead, the tannins are vigorous but just starting to yield. Black fruits, with firm flesh and gentle, toasted peppery spice. Drink: 2012-2030. Alc: 13%. (Sep 2011)"