2009 Château Cantemerle

Exceptionally silky tannic frame, this is gourmet and mouthwatering, delivering raspberry and blackberry studded with white pepper, cedar and campfire smoke. Softly spoken and welcoming, not the most powerful 2009 but that is the charm of Cantemerle, with hints of Margaux typicity even if the estate is just on the outskirts of the appellation. Understated with a long finish, touch of cigar box and tobacco. These years were decisive in terms of the replantings coming into play, with an increased amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A one point upscore from the recent 2009/2010 retrospective, reflecting how much it stands out in the estate vertical. 40% new oak for ageing, Philippe Dambrine director.

This was the first wine of the 2009/2010 retrospective, kicking off two days of tasting, and it immediately set the bar for the quality of the 2009 vintage. Fully open and in its drinking window, this is ripped with sandalwood and cedar, with undertones of tobacco, cloves and cinnamon, grilled blackberry and juicy raspberry fruits, fresh acidities, generous and ready to share - even more so with an hour in a carafe. Wonderfully balanced at just 13%abv also, happy days. 50% new oak.

The 2009 Cantemerle finally shows the potential that it displayed out of barrel. It has a delightful, well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and tobacco aromas, vigorous with impressive delineation and class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, and a taut line of acidity. Fresh and vibrant with a poised and quite tensile finish. This is a wonderfully crafted 2009 Left Bank. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.