2005 Château Cantemerle
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Tasting notes
This 2005 is really coming into its own, with soft, welcoming rose bud, chalk, bilberry, cocoa bean and tobacco. The tannins remain well structured, and you can see the muscles that kept this pretty closed for the first decade. Ready to drink, but it will continue to soften further over the next few years before fully reaching its drinking window. Philippe Dambrine estate director (arrived 1993). Eric Boissenot's first vintage as consultant, replacing Georges Pauli. 50% new oak for ageing, light fining but no filtration before bottling. Suggest a good three hours in a carafe before drinking.
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More reviews and scores
Still plenty of consistency of colour here, medium intensity throughout, now a gentle ruby. Fragrant, raspberry leaf, unfussy slight earthy on the nose, immediately enticing. I had this a few years ago, when the fruit was much brighter, now it is softer and more autumnal, and this is really at the moment to drink. Earthy on the palate also, loam, soy, orange peel, white pepper, brambled fruit and undergrowth, touches of leather. Softly spoken, perhaps a little bottle variation, but I would say this is a good wine to get cracking on now, and enjoy its gentle pleasures. 50% new oak. Unfiltered.
A young, slightly tannic, somewhat austere but well-made, finesse style of Médoc, the 2005 Cantemerle displays a dark ruby/purple color followed by notes of forest floor, underbrush, cedar wood, and raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030.
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.