2017 Clos Cantenac
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Clos Cantenac was picked before the rainfall in early September though, two parcels suffered some frost damage that needed to be carefully sorted out. It is aged in around 40% new oak with a slightly lighter toast than previous vintages. It offers tightly wound blackberry and raspberry coulis aromas, a touch of decayed leaves and smoky scents coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, lightly spiced black fruit that is actually quite Pomerol-like in style with a touch of fennel and sage towards the finish. It just needs a little more flesh and energy to come through on the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
100% Merlot. Ten days post-ferment maceration. 12 months in French oak, 50% new. Very dark cherry red. Quite a strong oak sweetness on the nose at the moment but the dark fruit has a more savoury character so the effect is not over-sweet. There's a light and attractive floral note on the palate too. Firm and chewy on the palate, plenty of chocolate like chocolate covered black cherries without out the sweetness. Moreish and fresh on the finish. (JH)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Clos Cantenac opens with lovely notes of crushed red currant, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of cinnamon stick, roses and black pepper. The medium-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of red and black fruits with loads of spicy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.