Château Marquis de Terme

The estate takes its name from François de Peguilhan, who held the title Marquis de Terme and received the property as a marriage dowry in 1762. The land itself has much older roots, originally forming part of the vast Rauzan estate, a single vineyard holding that would eventually be divided into no fewer than four classified growths in the 1855 classification. By 1787, Thomas Jefferson had already singled out Marquis de Terme as one of the 16 finest Bordeaux estates, a remarkable early endorsement. The Sénéclauze family acquired the château in 1935 and has remained at the helm ever since, now into its fourth generation.

• Named after François de Peguilhan, Marquis de Terme, following a 1762 marriage dowry
• Shares historical origins with Château Rauzan-Ségla and Rauzan-Gassies
• Thomas Jefferson listed it among Bordeaux's finest in 1787
• Sénéclauze family ownership since 1935

The vineyard sits on the Margaux plateau, covering 39 to 40 hectares on soils that define the appellation: deep gravel composed of quartz and quartzite with pockets of clay further below, complemented by finer gravels and sandy soils closer to the surface. This free-draining gravel over a clay subsoil is the classic Margaux template, encouraging deep root development and providing the conditions that produce Cabernet Sauvignon of notable finesse. The estate's maritime climate is shaped by the Gironde estuary and Bay of Biscay, with coastal pine forests shielding the vineyards from the most damaging westerly and northwesterly winds. Certification as an organic estate was achieved in 2017, a significant commitment for a classified growth of this scale.

• Deep quartz and quartzite gravel over clay pockets, classic Margaux terroir
• Temperate maritime climate moderated by the Gironde estuary
• Pine forests provide natural wind protection from the west and northwest
• Certified organic viticulture since 2017

The blend centers on Cabernet Sauvignon at 60%, supported by Merlot at 35% and a small complement of Petit Verdot at 5%. This is a Margaux designed for the cellar: the wines display an elegant nose of blackcurrant and raspberry, with a rich, smooth palate underpinned by the silky tannins that are the hallmark of the appellation. Director Ludovic David oversaw a comprehensive modernization of the winemaking facilities completed in 2009, bringing the cellar fully in line with contemporary Bordeaux standards while preserving the estate's traditional character. The wines are built to evolve over 5 to 15 years, rewarding patience.

• Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Cellar modernization completed in 2009 under director Ludovic David
• Classic Margaux profile with silky tannins and blackcurrant-driven aromatics
• Optimal drinking window of 5 to 15 years from vintage

The Sénéclauze family has stewarded the estate since 1935, maintaining the classified growth status through both traditional values and willingness to modernize. The most recent chapter in the family's leadership began in 2023, when fourth-generation member Paloma Sénéclauze assumed the role of General Manager. The estate has also pursued broader hospitality ventures, having operated the restaurant Au Marquis de Terme between 2018 and 2021. The combination of long family tenure, organic certification, and modernized facilities positions the château as one of the more forward-thinking estates within the 1855 classification.