Chateau Cantemerle - Haut-Medoc 2016 (750ml)
Price: $46.99
| Producer | Chateau Cantemerle |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Haut-Medoc |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 7892 |
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Swirling this wine in the glass brings forth a very complex bouquet, the hallmark of a great wine. In the mouth, the first impression is both powerful and elegant, with rich flavors covering the palate. All the usual aromas of this wine-tobacco, black currant, cloves and a woodiness typical of ripe Cabernet -are present in a subtle register which will become more prominent with time. The tannins are very supple, lingering elegantly on the finish. At this stage of its development the wine is characterized by a delicate charm.
Chateau Cantemerle Description
Château Cantemerle is one of the oldest properties in the Bordeaux wine region. Historical documents listing the Lords of Cantemerle of La Sauve Majeur Abbey, can be dated all the way back to the 12th century. By the 16th century, Château Cantemerle was devoted to the production of wine. In 1855, when the classification of the Medoc took place, Château Cantemerle was accidentally left off the list of the classed chateaux. It was at the continued insistence of Madame Villeneuve-Durfort, that her property, Château Cantemerle be reinstated in the classification. That re-addition became the first of only two changes in the classification.
The 108 hectare vineyard of Cantemerle has 92 hectares under vine, planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. There have been two shifts most recently in the vineyards. The amount of Cabernet Sauvignon has been increased, while the Merlot has been decreased by 5% each. It is the goal of the estate to continue increasing the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in their vineyards over time. On average, the vines are close to 30 years of age. They have old Cabernet vines, which are close to 70 years of age. The terroir is mostly sand and gravel soils. The vineyard can be divided into 3 sections. Close to the chateau, you find soils with pebbles, small rocks, and dark, or black sand. To the east, close to the water tower, you find larger stones and gravel with sand.
To produce the wine of Château Cantemerle, vinification takes place in a combination of 24 conical, shaped wood vats, 10 stainless steel tanks and 7 cement vats. The tanks vary in size from 100 hectoliters to 180 hectoliters for the wood vats, the cement and steel tanks are larger. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The young vines are always vinified in the stainless steel vats. The wine is aged in 40% to 50% new French oak barrels for between 12 to 16 months, depending on the vintage.
James Suckling: 94 Points
Plenty of menthol, blackberry and blackcurrant aromas in this elegant, medium-weight Haut-Médoc that’s got as much freshness as ripeness and a long, clean, mineral and herbal finish. An incredibly food-flexible wine! Drink or hold.
Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points
Well-integrated tannins give this wine a rich, velvet character that is underlined by the blackberry fruits. The aftertaste is dense, concentrated and rich. Drink from 2025.
Vinous: 92 Points
The 2016 Cantemerle has developed beautifully with elevage. Pliant, silky and exceptionally balanced, the 2016 has the pedigree and complexity to allow for a number of years of very fine drinking. Moreover, the 2016 delivers serious flavor intensity without being at all heavy. Smoke, iron and cedar add character to a Haut-Medoc that has a lot to offer.
Wine Spectator: 90 Points
Starts with a violet note but turns darker quickly, with dark currant and black cherry preserve flavors forming the core. Nice fresh tobacco and iron details carry the mouthwatering finish. Not big, but focused and tasty.
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