| 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 2021 Cantemerle opens in the glass with notes of cassis, dark berries, mint and baking chocolate. This is medium-bodied, with supple, powdery tannins, lively acids and a delicate core of fruit, concluding with a minty, somewhat herbaceous finish. Drink Date: 2025 - 2035
The 2021 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot with maturation in 40% new oak. Mid ruby colour. This is crunchy, cool and fresh with blackcurrant leaf, red berries and cedar. The palate is leafy and cool, full of savoury tones and bell pepper. There is a hint of toast, cedar and dried tobacco together with green tea. The fresh red fruit lingers with chalky tannins on the finish in this compact, cool wine that will appeal to classic claret lovers.
Savory, with mushrooms, bark and dried leaves. Some cocoa and walnut notes, too. Medium body with lightly chewy tannins. A little loose.
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cantemerle has pronounced herbal notes with rubber and tobacco over a core of stewed red and black plums. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is a little thin with a chewy texture and a tart, abrupt finish.
Bright dark fruit, well constructed with fresh acidities and a leafy, rose stem aspect the emphasies the Caberrnet. There is juice on the finish here, but hard tannins also, and it needs further softening over ageing. Tasted twice. 50hl/h yield, generous for the vintage, 40% new oak.
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Pleasantly aromatic with cassis and dark-fruit notes. Juicy and fresh, if a little lean, the tannins well-handled. The oak, though, is rather present and drying (prise de bois?). If it settles, this could improve. (JL)
Drink 2025 – 2035
The 2021 Cantemerle is a very strong effort in a challenging year, offering up aromas of blackcurrants and plums mingled with hints of spice box, black truffle and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, it's supple and succulent, with a generous core of fruit and a saline finish. It's sure to number among the sleepers of the vintage.
