Château Cantemerle 1996

I had hoped this wine would turn out closer to outstanding, but it is an excellent Cantemerle, if not quite as stunning as I had expected. The wine offers a dark ruby color, and a sweet nose of black raspberries, subtle new oak, and acacia smells. There is fine sweetness and solid tannin in this elegant, symmetrical wine. It is more forward and lighter than it was from cask, but it is a stylish example of Cantemerle. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2015.

Slightly earthy, with meat and blackberry character. Medium-bodied, with light tannins and a simple finish. Fading. I have had this many times recently and it's on the way down. A little disappointing.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 22,000 cases made.

Fully mature, with more secondary characteristics than fruit, you find more tobacco, cigar box, herbs, earth and forest floor here. It takes some effort to located the spicy, red berries in this medium bodied, effort. Drink up as this is not going to improve.

97: Very deep purple with violet highlights. Fruity mulberry bouquet with smoky notes; the nose is driven by ripe, spicy Merlot, perfumed. On the palate, silky, finely detailed and superbly balanced; in the extract, notes reminiscent of a great Barbera, finishing delicately. A delicate, dancing Cantemerle, the best in a long time. 17/20 2000 – 2016

The wine is straightforward, slightly rigid. The finish lacks a touch of precision. Ready to drink.

Deep red color. Bright. Intense. Aromas of medium intensity. Smoky. Subtle. With aeration, it becomes more intense. Very fruity, with a smoky edge. A broad attack, unfolding on a juicy, fleshy, rich structure that grows powerful, creamy and very, very juicy, leading to a long finish combining smoky and fruity notes. A Margaux-like texture. A Pessac-Léognan-like flavor profile. Plenty of richness in the tannins.