Chateau Cantemerle, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux France, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Chateau Cantemerle is the second of the first well-known Bordeaux estates you see as start the drive along the D2, as you head towards the Medoc, just after Chateau La Lagune. Chateau Cantemerle is also one of the oldest properties in the Bordeaux wine region. Historical documents listing the Lords of Cantemerle of La Sauve Majeur Abbey can be dated all the way back to the 12th century. The documents exist thanks to the monks who recorded any business that transpired in the monastic community. The estate took its name from the Lords of Cantemerle. Although it did not begin to go under that name until 1340 when Ponset de Cantemerle changed the name of the estate.

Ponset de Cantemerle was the first person to cultivate the vineyards. This was a big step because, in those days, most of the land was used for planting wheat. By the 16th century, Chateau Cantemerle was devoted to the production of wine.

In 1892, the descendants of the last of the Villeneuve family, Jeanne Armande, Baroness Charles d’Abbadie, sold Chateau Cantemerle to the Dubos family after owning the estate for over three hundred years. At the time, the Dubos family also owned a vineyard in Margaux, Chateau La Tour de Mons. The last family owner, Bertrand Clauzel sold Chateau Cantemerle in 1981 to the SMABTP group.

At the time of the purchase, Chateau Cantemerle was in serious need of restoration. 40 hectares of vines, close to 50% of the estate needed replanting. In 1999, the new owners purchased 20 hectares of vines from Domaine du Moines Nexon, increasing the size of the Chateau Cantemerle.

Other improvements were made to the cellars and the winemaking facilities. The SMABTP Group has continued increasing their holdings in Bordeaux with purchases in the Right Bank too. They recently added Chateau Haut Corbin, Chateau Grand Corbin, and Chateau Le Jurat, which are all located in the St. Emilion appellation.

In 2025, Chateau Cantemerle finished their complete renovation, and modernization of their cellars, and landscaping under the direction of their new manager, Laure Canu.

Winemaker
Eric Boissenot

Grape / Blend
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Origin
Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Adorned with a magnificent purplish color, Cantemerle 2021 offers a very seductive, airy nose. Fragrances of jammy strawberry, raspberry fruit paste and peony blend subtly. A hint of licorice enhances the whole, adding depth. All is pleasure and greed. The palate, fresh from the start, evolves into a juicy, crisp body with fresh fruit flavors. The tannins are soft and long-lasting on the finish.

The wine of Chateau Cantemerle is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Cantemerle is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This wine comes from one of the first of the grand estates when driving north up the Médoc. The wine brings out the brightness of the vintage as well as its structure and potential for aging. This is balanced, fruit and tannins allied with succulent acidity. Drink from 2027.

92 Points - James Suckling
Attractive herb and capsicum notes lend freshness to the red currants and plums. Medium body on the palate with a very fluid center palate. Crunchy, elegant and juicy finish with good length. Has plenty of appeal now.

91 Points - Decanter
Strongly perfumed, smells strongly of Petit Verdot. Quite high acidity, sharp and tangy straight away, prominent acidity which is mouthwatering, then settles and turns a bit creamy and chalky towards the finish. Ends a little bit bitter. Calm, not shouting, and missing a bit more push and sense of juiciness, a little serious right now but this should round out nicely and provide lots of short-to-mid-term drinking pleasure.

91 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Cantemerle is floral, lifted and very pretty. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, spice, mocha and licorice take shape in a wine that impresses with its delineated, persistent personality. All the elements are nicely balanced. There is a bit of tightness on the finish, but overall, this is nicely done. –Antonio Galloni 

Product size: 750ml