Tertre Roteboeuf, St Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Tertre-Roteboeuf lies 2km southeast of Saint-Émilion on a very special, peninsular extension of the slope which houses Châteaux Pavie and Larcis-Ducasse. This extends to a hillock, the hauts de côte, with the slopes beneath, pleines côtes, which encompasses the lieu-dit Roteboeuf. A mere 6 hectares in size, the rise to fame of Tertre-Roteboeuf from relative obscurity has been dramatic. Even without a grand cru classé title, it is one of Saint-Émilion’s cult wines.

This is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the vineyard plantings. An alluring, delicately aromatic nose of violets, peonies and rose petals. The palate is supple and inviting, with plush blackberry and blueberry fruit… until the powerful tannins assert themselves, at which point you sit up and pay attention, realising you are in the presence of something special. An explosive yet shapely wine, with insistent drive.