Château Cantemerle Haut Medoc 2020

94–96. Barrel Sample. This fine estate has produced a powerful, rich wine that has fine potential. Solid, foursquare with dense tannins that will gracefully meld into the fruit, the wine should age well.

A value not to be missed. We enjoyed with a beef barley soup and it was about as good as it gets. Mid body, subtle fresh fruit, a bit restrained with a long lingering finish. Tobacco and coco notes with strawberry and plumb.

Aromas of blackcurrants and kirsch with hints of dried blood orange, licorice and cocoa. Medium- to full-bodied with layers of well-integrated, finely polished tannins. Structured and toned with a fresh and lively fruit-forward palate, seasoned with spices and dried herbs. Lingering, chalky finish. Delicious now, but better after 2026.

This has the tight tannins of the vintage with damson and an edge of bitter dark chocolate, but it is a success all the same - confident, succulent, elegant and classic. Philippe Dambrine retires as director of the estate as of this vintage, replaced by Laure Canu from Château Angélus. A yield of 45hl/ha, 40% new oak, 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

The 2020 Cantemerle has turned out well in bottle, offering up aromas of rich black fruits, plums, pencil shavings and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with ripe, powdery structuring tannins and a nicely defined finish, it's generous and expressive while remaining classically proportioned.

I continue to love the wines from Cantemerle, which is located in the Haut-Médoc. The 2020 Château Cantemerle is deeply hued with lots of Bing cherry, tobacco, and cedary notes that flow to a medium-bodied, elegant, yet concentrated 2020 with fine tannins and a great finish. Another classic vintage from this estate, this beauty is going to evolve for 15+ years if well-stored.

The 2020 Cantemerle was very backward on the nose when I tasted it from bottle. Interestingly, I tasted two samples at different temperatures. The slightly warmer one is quite flamboyant, diametric to what I anticipated. The palate is quite powerful with a sweet core of blackberry and raspberry fruit, blood orange and cracked black pepper. Quite showy, though I would like to see more finesse and terroir expression on the finish.

Leads with an overt toasted vanilla note that drapes over a core of friendly cherry and plum fruit, mixed with a licorice accent. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2026. 30,000 cases made.