2021 Château Cantemerle

The 2021 Château Cantemerle checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest 5% Petit Verdot that was raised for 12 months in French oak (40% new). It's a juicy, medium-bodied, more red-fruited effort that has some classic tobacco and underbrush notes, juicy yet integrated acidity, fine tannins, and a good finish. It's a satisfying, enjoyable, well-made Haut-Médoc that will drink nicely for a decade if well stored.

The 2021 Cantemerle typifies your "classic" Bordeaux. It has a light but delineated nose of black fruit laced with cedar and freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is balanced with a little chewiness on the entry. There’s some mid-palate weight in the, but then it dramatically tapers away and leaves you wondering if it could have given more. There's also a slightly herbaceous aftertaste.

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.