Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf   Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf

2003 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf

By Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf

2003 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf from Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The revered 2003 vintage of Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf emerges from its Saint-Emilion origins, garnering admiration from oenophiles and collectors alike. This particular year presented formidable challenges across Bordeaux, and yet, chez Tertre Roteboeuf, one finds a vintage that dances deftly between power and elegance.

 

A Most Harmonious Contradiction

2003 was not shy on climatic discourse; the scorching heatwaves that caressed the vineyards fostered ripening at an accelerated pace. In such a furnace, one might expect wines with overly exuberant fruit and an absence of finesse. Not so for this chateau—a beacon amidst the climatic tempest of 2003. Their meticulous viniculture yielded grapes that were emboldened but not brazen.

 

Investment Experience, Captured in a Glass

Tasting the 2003 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf now reveals a tapestry of layered complexity. One must commend the wine's impressive structure, which has afforded it exceptional age-worthiness—a venerated attribute among astute fine wine investors. Notes of ripe blackberry compote, smouldering cigar box, and supple leather enrobe the senses; they are indicative of a masterful adaptation to challenging weather conditions by the winemaking team at Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf.

Within its depths, investors may discover a mélange of truffle and earthiness that speaks to the unique terroir of this Saint-Emilion cornerstone. Integrating seamlessly with mellowing tannins and a discernible strength borne from 20 years of maturation, this vintage captures an exceptional moment in time. While saintly in origin, there is something almost temporal in its lingering finish—a seduction of the palate that beckons another sip.

In summary, a discourse on the 2003 Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf elucidates a remarkable convergence of climatic resilience and vinous virtuosity. This vintage epitomises an investment experience that is not merely preserved but elevated by time, ensuring its continued reverence among purveyors of truly exceptional Bordeaux wines.

Current market price

$2,970.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

198.89

Scores and tasting notes

89

The heady, open-knit, expansive, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2003 reveals notes of sweet chocolate and black cherry liqueur as well as low acidity, elevated alcohol and glycerin, and a loosely knit, nearly flabby style. It is a charming, sensual St.-Emilion to enjoy over the next 8-10 years.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 23 April 2006

Vintage performance