2023, Château Cantemerle, HAUT-MÉDOC, 5ème Grand Cru Classé

Last Year EP $44.00-

A popular classed growth (5th) 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.

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.

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.
93-94 James Suckling.

Intense plum colour, this has lift and attractive leafy notes, full of character and carefully-shaped and extracted tannins, cassis fruits, black chocolate and liquorice. Old school in feel, finessed and not overly sleek, full of heart. 35% new oak.
92 Jane Anson.

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.
90-92 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, London.

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 degree.
88-90 Antonio Galloni.