Chateau Cantemerle 2019

Winery Background and History

Château Cantemerle’s origins trace back to medieval times, with records of its lords in 1147 and of viticulture in 1354. It became a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux classification—added later in the year. Over the centuries it passed through noble and merchant families. In 1981, the SMABTP insurance group acquired the estate and embarked on restoring vineyards, modernizing the cellar, and restructuring vineyard plantings. Today Cantemerle blends historic character with modern precision.

Producer and Wine Maker

Under SMABTP stewardship, the wine team at Cantemerle focuses on terroir expression and consistency. Winemaking philosophy emphasizes parcel-level selection, yield control, gentle extraction, and careful blending. The producer employs modern cellar equipment—temperature controlled vats, sorting lines—while limiting interventions to preserve fruit purity. Oak maturation is calibrated to support structure without dominating the wine.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The estate comprises about 90 hectares of vines in Macau and Ludon within the Haut-Médoc appellation. Soils are silico-gravel mixtures over siliceous subsoils—well drained and heat reflecting, which helps ripening while constraining vigor. The maritime influence from the Gironde estuary moderates temperature extremes, providing cooling breezes. Vines average ~30 years old, planted at high densities typical for Médoc parcels, and the vineyard is parcelized to capture micro-terroir variations.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and rigorously sorted. Fermentation occurs by parcel in temperature-controlled vats, followed by extended maceration to extract color, tannins, and aromatics. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in vats. The wine is aged in French oak barrels—around 35–50% new—over 12 to 16 months depending on parcel and vintage. After barrel aging, final blending, fine-tuning, and bottling are done on site.

Tasting Notes

2019 exhibits a deep purple hue. The nose is expressive with blackberry, blueberry, violet florals, and hints of cedar, tobacco, and herbal notes. On palate it is medium- to full-bodied, offering polished tannins, bright acidity, and a fleshy core of dark fruits. There is elegance and definition, with good tension, length, and a refined finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pair with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, venison, or duck with dark fruit sauces. Also goes well with mature hard cheeses like Comté or aged Manchego. Mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or herbed game dishes will accentuate its aromatic nuances.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Decant for 1-2 hours before serving to allow aromatics to open and integrate. Serve in a Bordeaux-style glass to highlight structure and dark fruit. Pour gently to avoid disturbing sediment. Ideal serving temperature: 16-18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

With proper cellaring—cool, stable temperature, ~60–70% humidity, low light—this wine can age gracefully for 15 to 25+ years. It is currently in its early to mid drinking window. Over time tertiary notes of earth, leather, dried herbs and forest floor may emerge while retaining freshness and balance.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

In 2019 the blend is approximately: 68 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 23 % Merlot, and balance in Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 %

Scores

• James Suckling: 95

• Wine Enthusiast: 95

• Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 92

• Decanter: 94