Château Cantemerle 2024

Brilliant ruby; pronounced blackberry fruit, plus blond tobacco, mocha, licorice; exceptionally crisp on the palate, delicate, perfectly ripe fruit, polished tannins, the present acidity lends drive; very good balance and a long finish. In the style of the very successful 2021, but with slightly more aromatic length.

Floral notes on the nose with some clean blue fruit aromas. Softly juicy but overall a rather light fruit presentation. Tannins are well integrated and this is gentle but missing a touch of fruit density and a sense of liveliness, with some tobacco, mocha and toast flavors on the finish. Tasted three times. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Zesty with plenty of energy. Already open and aromatic, but with fine tannins and texture, with some persistence on the finish. Light but well executed. (JL)

Flowers, herbs, espresso, currants and plums are at the center of this medium-bodied wine. Light, bright, crisp, and classic, the energetic red berries are quite fresh on the palate, all the way through to the finish. Drink from 2027-2038. 89-91 pts

A refined and elegant nose combining floral fragrances (iris) with crushed raspberry and plum aromas, and a rocky touch. The palate is quite voluptuous and opulent, with a cashmere-like texture and notes of perfumed purple fruits and flowers. A zesty backbone triggers intense salivation, leading to a juicy finish reminiscent of redcurrant and black cherry.

Great quality, sappy, fragrant, savoury Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics. On the palate things open to show squid ink, juice, raspberry puree, liquorice root, really enjoyable, good texture. 48hl/h yield, 35% new oak, Laure Canu director, SMA Group owners. New winery to be ready for the 2025 harvest.

Deep red color with normal intensity. Fruity yet discreet on the nose. Supple on the attack, fruity on the mid-palate; the wine caresses the palate, pleasant and fragrant. Medium length. Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 13%. Yield: 48 hl/ha. Production: 380,000 bottles.