2020 Château Cantemerle
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Tasting notes
Scented and bright, there’s a purple richness to this. Pure, quite fresh and long. There’s a crunch of really fresh blackberry, with a blackcurrant leaf note and something a little savoury. There’s a moreish, tart note that comes through on the finish.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Cocoa bean, espresso, crayon, hedgerow, violets and ripe brambled fruits. Captures the understated finesse and joy of Cantemerle, one to share, with expansion and depths through the mid palate that become ever clearer with the more recent vintages, showcasing how Cantemerle is growing in confidence. Last vintage with Pascal Berteau as technical director, in place since 1987, and Philippe Dambrine in his last vintage as estate director, 40% new oak for ageing.
Tasted blind. Very dark. Sweet and ripe, a bit like Ribena. Powerful, chewy and very primary in its fruit profile, with enough freshness, just needs time to mesh. (JH)
The 2020 Cantemerle has a pastille-like bouquet that lacks the complexity of its peers. The palate is fleshy, ripe and grippy with plenty of red fruit, but nagging green notes poleaxe the finish. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
About the producer
Owned by SMABTP Insurance since 1980, this estate has been carefully restored to its former glory, expanding its vineyards to the original 90 hectares and producing high-quality wines in line with its status.