Chateau Cantemerle 2020

Winery Background & History

Château Cantemerle, located in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France, boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Recognized as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the estate has consistently produced wines that exemplify the elegance and complexity characteristic of the region.

Producer & Winemaker

Owned by the SMABTP Group, a French mutual insurance company, Château Cantemerle has seen significant investments aimed at modernizing its vineyards and winemaking facilities. The estate’s technical director, Laure Canu, who joined in 2020 from Château Angélus, leads the winemaking team, blending traditional practices with innovative techniques to craft wines of exceptional quality.

Vineyard

The estate encompasses approximately 90 hectares of vineyards, planted on deep gravel soils that provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wines’ complexity. The varietal composition includes 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. With an average vine age of 35 years, sustainable viticulture practices are employed to maintain vine health and environmental balance.

The Wine

Château Cantemerle 2020 is a red Bordeaux blend that reflects the estate’s dedication to producing balanced, elegant wines with significant aging potential. The 2020 vintage is noted for its concentration and finesse, showcasing the harmonious integration of fruit, tannins, and acidity.

Vintage

The 2020 growing season in Bordeaux was marked by a mild winter and a wet spring, leading to early bud break. A hot, dry summer followed, with timely rainfall in August aiding grape maturation. The harvest occurred under favorable conditions, resulting in wines with excellent balance, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

ABV%

The 2020 Château Cantemerle has an alcohol content of approximately 13.5%.

Vinification and Aging Method

Hand-harvested grapes underwent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and wooden vats to preserve fruit purity. Malolactic fermentation occurred in vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels (40% new) for 12 months. This meticulous vinification and aging process enhanced the wine’s complexity and structure.

Grape Varietals

The 2020 blend consists of approximately 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, reflecting the estate’s traditional varietal composition.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby color with purple hues.

• Nose: Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, interwoven with notes of cedar, tobacco, and subtle floral hints.

• Palate: Medium-bodied with a harmonious balance of ripe black fruits, complemented by well-integrated tannins and a touch of spice. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a pleasant freshness.

Food and Wine Pairing

This wine pairs well with roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, as well as game dishes and hearty stews. It also complements a variety of cheeses, including aged cheddar and Gouda.

Service Methods

• Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic profile and structure.

• Decanting: Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2020 Château Cantemerle is suitable for consumption now but can continue to develop with further cellaring. Proper storage conditions—cool, dark, and humid—will preserve its quality and allow for additional aging potential.

Scores

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 90 points – “The 2020 Cantemerle has turned out well in bottle, offering up aromas of rich black fruits, plums, pencil shavings, and forest floor. Medium-bodied, lively, and seamless, with powdery tannins and a saline finish, it’s a charming, classically proportioned wine that will offer a broad drinking window.”

• James Suckling: 93–94 points – “A tight, tannic red with blackberry, blueberry, and some chocolate. Medium to full body. Chewy finish. Well done.”

• Wine Spectator: 90 points – “This has the tight tannins of the vintage with damson and an edge of bitter dark chocolate, but it is a success all the same—confident, succulent, elegant, and classic.”