du Tertre - I never thought you could smell tannin, but I swear I did. Dark crimson with significant browning. There was some black fruit aroma, but the primary impression was rather acrid, so the tannin reference. There was still fruit on the palate, precious little, along with a tiny cedar note, but the tannins overwhelmed. My guests passed. I had one small glass and the rest went to the water table. Rated <80 (my lowest rating).
A rude surprise; my last bottle a few years ago was very good. My last bottle of a case, a sad farewell.
Ducru - This is more like it, dark crimson color but with almost no browning. The aromas feature black plum with pencil and mineral in the background; tasted blind I would have thought Merlot-based. The palate was soft but with enough acidity for excellent balance, a tiny welcome green note, lots of fine tannins almost fully resolved, very harmonious. This lacks the weight and intensity of great wine, but provided great pleasure. Rated 91.5, probably fully mature.
