| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Haut Médoc |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
A popular classed growth château from the southern Médoc, situated just below the village of Margaux. Cantemerle always provides reliable quality and value for money. The wines are never heavy or jammy. Good traditional claret that is usually sold at a modest price and with quality on the rise in recent vintages. The vineyard is 96 hectares in size and planted with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.
The 75% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in 2023 is the highest proportion ever. The rest is 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. The harvest was the longest ever - from September 11th to October 10th to ensure that each plot was picked at full ripeness. 13% alcohol.
The 2023 Cantemerle offers up aromas of dark berries, cherries, mint and herbs, followed by a medium-bodied, round and fleshy palate that's a touch varietal in profile this year.
The 2023 Cantemerle has an attractive nose that offers more fruit concentration than its peers, raspberry and crushed strawberry, light peppery notes. The palate has good body on the entry, but it doesn't quite possess phenolic ripeness right on the finish. Could this be subsumed during the élevage? A third sample verified a nagging, albeit slight vegetal aspect but let's see how it will show once in bottle
Bright mid-ruby colour. Quite smoky on the nose, with barrel char coating classic fresh blackcurrant and cedar tones. The palate is slender and narrow but not dry. Compact red and black currants are cool and crunchy, giving a subtle fragrance to the core. A wine with classic proportions and a noticeable lick of wood spice, but it works. Should offer good value.
This shows focus and balance with a pretty dark-fruit character, as well as hints of blue flowers and stones. Medium-bodied, juicy and vivid with very polished tannins and fresh acidity. Nice center-palate with cabernet character coming through. Firm at the end.
The 2023 Cantemerle is deep garnet-purple in color. It features notions of prunes and raisin cake, leading to touches of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and balsamic. The light to medium-bodied palate is chewy and innocuous, with dried berry flavors and an herb-laced finish.
Intense plum colour, this has lift and attractive leafy notes, full of character and carefully-shaped and extracted tannins, cassis fruits, black chocolate and liqourice. Old school in feel, finessed and not overly sleek, full of heart. 35% new oak, 43hl/ha yield.
The 2023 Cantemerle is a deep, potent wine. A blast of dark plum, blackberry, mocha, grilled herbs, gravel and lavender make a strong first impression. The aromatics and overall structure are quite appealing, although I find the tannins a touch bruising at this stage. A long, sustained finish compensates to some degrees. Tasted two times.
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Appealing fruit on the nose with a toasted edge. Juicy, firm and long, the tannins polished and integrated. Shows class and elegance albeit in a lighter vein. (JL) 13%
Drink 2028 – 2038
