2018 Chateau Cantemerle
By Chateau Cantemerle
2018 Chateau Cantemerle from Chateau Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
The Haut-Médoc region was blessed with a particularly gracious climate in 2018, enabling the storied vines of Chateau Cantemerle to yield a vintage that stands testament to this fortunate happenstance. The 2018 Chateau Cantemerle unfolds as a meticulously crafted ballet of structure and finesse, a performance that further extols the work of its vintners.
Heritage Harmonised with Contemporary Craft
Marrying time-honoured tradition with modern viticultural techniques, the team at Chateau Cantemerle has produced a vintage that resonates with investment savvy connoisseurs and youthful enthusiasts alike. As one uncorks the 2018 Chateau Cantemerle, they beckon forth an aroma that speaks of careful curation – a signature whisper from this renowned estate.
A Year of Vivid Expression
The year 2018 was untamed yet generous, imparting to this wine an intrinsic boldness tempered by an unseen restraint. It is a reflection not merely of its variety but of its voyage through a year marked by climatic generosity.
The palate is greeted by a harmonious blend of blackcurrant and savoury spice, notable for its layers that elegantly peel away to reveal subtle hints of violet and tobacco – an oeuvre created by nature and nurtured by human hands. The tannins, poised yet assertive, suggest that while approachable now, there is ample potential for investment through careful cellaring. A whisper of oak bestows upon it an articulate finish that lingers long after the last sip.
Investment Worthiness Personified
The 2018 vintage of Chateau Cantemerle exemplifies an investible grade wine. It is poised for pleasurable consumption and will doubtlessly evolve splendidly over time – a persuasive addition for any discerning collector's portfolio. To sip on this particular vintage is to taste the labour of vinicultural artisans at their zenith.
In summation, the 2018 Chateau Cantemerle from Chateau Cantemerle manifests as a symphony composed in the abundant harvests of Haut-Médoc. For investors, it presents as an opportune canvas painted with the possibility of rewarding returns. As each barrel unfurls its riches in years to come, so too shall your foresight be lauded.
Current market price
£220.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
15.71
Scores and tasting notes
A rich and layered young Bordeaux with a solid center palate of ripe fruit and coated with ripe and polished tannins. Tightly wound ball now. Pretty texture and length to this.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
There's an enjoyable texture and plush fruit in this elegant, well balanced wine. It has precise aromatics of black pepper, liquorice and freshly cut herbs. It's good but a touch more restrained than most of its peers. 33hl/ha. Aged in 40% new oak. 6% Petit Verdot makes up the blend.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
Direct, with a stony accent to the red currant and damson plum flavors. A bit austere on the finish.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cantemerle delivers notions of crème de cassis, raisin cake and prunes with hints of Chinese five spice and dusty soil. Full-bodied and boldly fruited with dried berries and fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing spicy.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Cantemerle is a soft, easygoing wine with only limited depth. The challenges of the growing season are impossible to escape in this fleeting, light-weight effort. The 2018 offers good immediacy, but is also a bit lacking in depth and persistence. Graphite, dark spice and blackberry open up nicely. Severe hail took with it 50% of the crop.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021