A well-constructed wine that is ripe with black fruits and integrated tannins, this is in a good place for aging. Black-currant fruitiness is balanced by a dry, smoky core that holds promise. Drink this wine from 2026.

A ripe, full-bodied, slightly chewy wine that brings plenty of character, the 2018 Château Cantemerle offers lots of smoky black fruits, graphite, background oak, notable overall balance, and impressive, polished tannins. It needs 2-4 years in the cellar, but this solid, seriously good Haut-Médoc should still be going strong at age 15.

A vanilla note frames a mix of warmed plum and cassis flavors, while a nice touch of dark earth infuses the finish. Open-knit and ready-to-go, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2023. 22,166 cases made.

The 2018 Cantemerle is going through a challenging time. Mid-weight structure and harsh, angular tannins are penalizing. Dark cherry, graphite, dried herb and coffee struggle to emerge, but the 2018 never really fills out.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cantemerle leaps from the glass with scents of Morello cherries, raspberry pie, fruitcake and prunes, plus hints of potpourri and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is chewy and a little tart, featuring some otherwise pleasant fruitcake flavors, finishing just a little drying and rustic.