2023 Clos Cantenac
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Clos Cantenac fulfills the promise it showed from barrel. It immediately blossoms with quite a plush, yet controlled bouquet, with those conspicuous violet scents that it showed out of barrel. The palate is quite intense, more than I remember, though the acidity maintains freshness and it segues effortlessly into a bright, silky finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
100% Merlot. One day cold soak. Fermented in tank as well as a proportion fermented in barrel (Intégrale). Malo in new French oak and tank and then aged 45% in new French oak and the rest in 2nd- and 3rd-year barrels. Tank sample. Very dark, almost black at the core, with narrow purple rim. Smells a touch riper than the Clos Cantenac, the oak equally present but well integrated. Deep-fruited, fine tannins and lots of freshness. Fine-boned and long. Harmonious, fresh, with an attractively dry tannic finish. Elegant whole. (JH)
100% Merlot. Cask sample. Juicy, fresh and harmonious, fine tannins framing the wine. Less weight than last year but balanced and not overstated. (JL)
The 2023 Clos Cantenac is 100% Merlot this year. A Cube destemmer was used for the first time to eliminate any berries affected by mildew earlier in the year. It underwent a slightly longer maceration and was matured in 45% new oak. The 2023 has an impactful bouquet with red berry fruit, violet and iris flower, touches of incense emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry, moderate depth and a keen line of acidity that keeps this on its toes. A deft touch of spice emerges toward the finish. I'd give this fine Saint-Émilion two or three years in bottle just to mellow those tannins.