Château Tertre Roteboeuf 2016
On the hillsides of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Émilion, Château Tertre Roteboeuf occupies a confidential vineyard of about six hectares managed by François Mitjavile. The property stands out for a natural amphitheater with marked slopes, particularly favorable to a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The clay-limestone soils bring freshness, depth, and a mineral framework that naturally balances the richness of the Merlot. For several decades, François Mitjavile has defended a very personal approach to viticulture, based on precise observation of ripeness and often late harvests. This approach aims to obtain fully ripe grapes without losing the energy necessary for the wine's balance. Tertre Roteboeuf thus develops a unique style among the great Saint-Émilion wines, combining density, sensual texture, and aromatic complexity. The 2016 vintage, marked by a particularly favorable end of the season, offers a deep and structured expression of the cru, with a remarkable balance between ripeness and freshness.
Château Tertre Roteboeuf 2016 blends 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot provides ample body, ripe black fruits, and a enveloping texture, while the Cabernet Franc adds more relief, tension, and aromatic freshness. The harvest is conducted when the grapes have reached an advanced level of ripeness, in line with the estate's philosophy. The vinification favors measured extraction to preserve the finesse of the tannic grain and the natural depth of the fruit. Aging in new barrels is an important component of Tertre Roteboeuf's style, but the wine's richness allows the wood to integrate gradually into the matter. The 2016 vintage is distinguished by significant concentration, ripe tannins, and freshness that gives it great length. Still relatively young, it has a sufficiently deep structure to evolve harmoniously over many years.
The color shows a very deep garnet hue with still strong ruby reflections. The nose develops blackberry, black plum, and ripe cherry, accompanied by violet, licorice, and sweet spices. Aeration gradually reveals nuances of cocoa, fine tobacco, cedar, and balsamic notes that complicate the fruit expression. The palate is ample and velvety, with fine but still present tannins that structure a generous body without hardening it. The Merlot brings depth and sensuality, while the Cabernet Franc maintains a fresh and more vertical line. The finish extends on black fruits, bitter chocolate, spices, and a slight mineral dimension. Château Tertre Roteboeuf 2016 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, royal hare, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
