Cantemerle 2018

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cantemerle delivers notions of crème de cassis, raisin cake and prunes with hints of Chinese five spice and dusty soil. Full-bodied and boldly fruited with dried berries and fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing spicy.

A rich and layered young Bordeaux with a solid center palate of ripe fruit and coated with ripe and polished tannins. Tightly wound ball now. Pretty texture and length to this.

Darkest crimson rim with black core. Elderberry-like tangy fruit. Juicy in the middle even with the layers of dryish tannins. But the finish is rather too dry for overall harmony. Drink 2023-2028

Medium deep ruby in the glass. The nose is classically medocain, with cedary fruit, light toastiness and pure blackcurrant. The palate continues in this vein with bright acidity, chalky and chewy tannins and cool black fruit at the core. This is compact, well-proportioned and fresh, with the firmness of tannins to age well in bottle. One for the classicists, at what should be a modest price.

(67 Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 Merlot, 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, 6 Petit Verdot) | 40% new oak for 12 months This is a lovely Cantemerle and it is not too dark or extracted, preferring to major in red fruit tones. Nicely-judged, the oak and tannin are in harmony, too. This is a success for Cantemerle and it is a rare wine which is red cherry-themed as opposed to black cherry-themed in this vintage.