2010 Château Cantemerle

Deep garnet with smudgy ruby rim. Even with mature notes of cigar box (not as evolved as leaf mulch-like aromas) there is still so much dark fruit. Fragrant, lightly leafy cassis, still marked by the fruit and so perfumed. On the palate, a hint of mushrooms and umami. Finest of silky tannins, fresh and complete. So smooth but with just enough friction in the structure so that it holds up to diverse flavours and marks it out as mature bordeaux. This is at a perfect moment for drinking and went very well with a complex and aromatic roasted-carrot dish with mint, pomegranate and garlic-flavoured yogurt as well as with a fine-crusted and rich venison pie. I wouldn’t keep this very much longer but no rush, if it has been well stored. (JH)

The 2010 Cantemerle is vigorous and open on the nose, a mixture of red and black fruit with cedar and humidor scents. I admire the focus and detail. The palate is rounded in texture on the entry. This is a plumper, richer, more fruit-driven 2010 with a lush finish on the context of the growing season. You could broach this now, although I would prefer to leave it another three or four years. This is another excellent wine and candidate for most over-performing cru this vintage. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Cantemerle gives up notes of cassis, baked plums and fragrant earth with hints of pencil shavings and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of bright, juicy fruit with a lively backbone and a bit of chew to the finish.