Cantemerle 2019 (750ML)

95 JS / 94 DE / 93-95 WE / 92 JA / 92 WA / 91 WI / 91 VM / 91 JD / 16.5 JR

A red with lots of currant, blackberry, fresh-herb and tobacco character. Hint of mushroom, too. It’s full and layered with polished, chewy tannins and a bright and fresh finish. Very long and focused. Give it time to come together. Very classic character here. Best after 2026. - James Suckling

Green pepper and herbaceous notes on the nose with minty eucalyptus alongside ripe cherry and blackcurrant aromas - so classic. A lovely mouthfeel here, smooth, well defined and preise. Quite direct, serious and darkly fruited - such a concentrated core - but with smooth tannins, a soft sweetness and freshness that lifts the overall frame. Balanced with succulence. Makes a lasting impact and impression. A great value pick. Drinking Window 2025 - 2045 - GH, Decanter

This grand classed growth has produced a richly structured wine that is balanced by ripe black fruits. It shows spice from the touch of Petit Verdot in the blend, as well as fine acidity and freshness that give it poise and a vibrant finish. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Plenty of smoked cedar oak on the opening beats, this is full-throated in its extraction, but comes across as confident rather than too much, and as it softens the damson and black cherry fruits are attractive. A healthy 55hl/h yield, with 40% new oak. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Opening in the glass with notions of rich berry fruit, licorice, cedar, violets and loamy soil, the 2019 Cantemerle is medium to full-bodied, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. This shut down a little after bottling (some 11 months ago at the time of writing), but it is beginning to bounce back to reveal a wine of real charm and character. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

The 2019 Cantemerle is deep garnet-purple in color. Perfumed notes of rose petal and cinnamon stick lead to a core of warm plums and boysenberry preserves, with a waft of sandalwood. The mediuml-bodied palate is soft and juicy, with firm, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and lifted.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The 2019 Cantemerle is a very pretty and understated wine. Sweet red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, tobacco, leather and dried herbs all grace this expressive Haut-Médoc. The 2019 is super classy from start to finish, but there is a bit less depth and overall substance than there was at the outset. - Antonio Galloni  Vinous Media

An incredibly consistent estate that always delivers a quality wine, the 2019 Château Cantemerle checks in as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Classic Médoc notes of red and black currants, cedar pencil, sappy herbs, and tobacco give way to a medium-bodied 2019 with terrific balance, ripe, polished tannins, good acidity, and outstanding length. This terrific wine will benefit from just short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ in cold cellars. - Jeb Dunnuck

Really quite graceful in a Margaux sort of way. Fresh, zesty nose with cassis and graphite notes. Juicy and long with plenty of delicately etched tannins offering refinement to the palate. Sufficient fruit weight. Clean, persistent finish with no excess.-James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson