2020 Clos Cantenac
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Clos Cantenac has an intense nose with blackberry and blueberry notes, and that camphor scent remains tangible. The palate is simple but offers attractive pencil lead touches that impart complexity and personality. One could argue that it's a bit disheveled on the finish, where you would seek more precision. Otherwise, this is a commendable Saint-Émilion that should be granted three to four years in bottle. It punches just a notch above expectations.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Winemaker Charlotte Krajewski delivers an enjoyably sappy, bright Clos Cantenac here, with vivid blueberry and raspberry fruits. There are firm tannins, still a little austere at this early stage, softened by grilled sandalwood oak, and bitter chocolate. Deep plum in colour, an excellent wine in the vintage, one to look out for. 40% new oak.
Full bottle 1,381 g. 100% Merlot from Clos Cantenac's St-Émilion vineyards. Decent colour on this Bordeaux rosé. For someone who tastes so much rosé, it's quite surprising how little Bordeaux pinks I get to tasting. So I was more than pleasantly surprised by the depth of (proper, not candied) fruit on this really scrumptious wine. Their back label suggests 'fresh tomato, bay leaf and green pepper', which I absolutely get! I'm not sure, though, that I agree with their other suggestions of banana, caramel, vanilla and smoke. It's a savoury wine with cooked (not candied) rhubarb tang and a touch of sandalwood spiciness (is there a splash of oak in there somewhere?). Vigorous, supple, packed with energetic acidity, and earns it's not-insubstantial price. (TC)
The 2020 Clos Cantenac shows good dark red berry fruit, mocha and spice character. It would be nice to see more depth, persistence and overall freshness, but this is a solid showing.