Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf   Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf

1996 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf

By Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf

1996 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf from Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

A tome on the idiosyncratic wonder of Bordeaux vintages would be incomplete without extolling the virtues of the 1996 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf from Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf. This veritable gem, emanating from the hallowed terroirs of Saint-Émilion, possesses a splendid singularity that firmly establishes its esteemed position in any discerning collector's portfolio.

 

A Vintage to Remember

The 1996 season in Bordeaux is often overshadowed by its immediate successor; however, those who disregard the sublimity of the former do so at their peril. Especially with a focus as meticulous as that exhibited at Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf, this vintage rises above expectations with an undeniable grace.

One must acknowledge the concert of elements that sculpted this vintage: a year marked by peculiar climatic patterns saw initial apprehensions dissipate as an outstanding September ushered in optimal conditions for harvesting. Fruit concentration and tannin maturation keenly benefited, endowing the 1996 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf with a structure both robust and refined—a dichotomy speaking eloquently of its heritage.

 

Distinct Attributes of the Vintage

In essence, the 1996 vintage synthesises dualities: vibrant acidity counterpoised against generous fruit, subtlety intertwined with complexity. The elevation and aspect at Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf have perennially endowed their wines with notable freshness, and this vintage is no diversion from that tradition. A palate adorned with dark cherries and cassis is layered over a foundation laced with earthy undertones and hints of truffle and cedar—notes that bear witness to the profound experience granted by careful cellaring.

Investors and aficionados alike will appreciate that time has sculpted depth into this wine without relinquishing its energetic core. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nature's caprices meet human artistry in viticulture and vinification.

In sum, offering harmony and maturity, the 1996 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf encapsulates a particular elegance only accessible through such judicious elapsing of time. It remains one of the most investable fine wines from this standout Saint-Émilion estate—a noble addition for collectors seeking diversity and depth in their Bordeaux selections.

Current market price

$5,740.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

345

Scores and tasting notes

90

The 1996 Le Tertre-Roteboeuf is less sumptuous out of bottle than it was from cask. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding wine produced in the tell-tale style of this well-placed hillside vineyard. The color is a deep ruby, and the nose offers up hedonistic notes of smoky, creme brulee, roasted coffee, and chocolate-covered cherries. This medium-bodied wine is exhibiting more structure, muscle, and tannin than I remember from cask. In fact, after the sweet aromatics and initial blast of fruit on the attack, the wine seems to close down, revealing moderate tannin in the very good finish. Unlike most vintages of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf, which can be drunk immediately, the 1996 requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15-16 years.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 April 1999

Vintage performance