Cantemerle is a 5th growth, located in Haut-Medoc with vineyards very close to Margaux. And, like a classic, mature Marguax, Cantemerle shows a wonderfully complex, spicy bouquet with age: tobacco, smoke, and mineral-infused cherry notes fill the nose before you even get close to the glass.
Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG91
"The 1989 Cantemerle has always been a 'plucky' Bordeaux that punches above its weight. This has a blackberry- and boysenberry-scented bouquet, arguably a little monotone compared to the best 1989s but undoubtedly youthful and quite glossy in style. The palate is medium-bodied and very smooth, with a mélange of red and black fruit, quite saturated tannin and a youthful, pastille-like finish. This Cantermerle is giving much pleasure after 30 years, and judging by this showing, it will continue to do so." -Vinous
Robert Parker
RP92
"An over-performer that can still make for a shrewd purchase at auction, the 1989 Cantemerle offers up inviting aromas of rich currant fruit, blackberries, loamy soil and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a generous core of fruit, melting tannins, ripe acids and a sapid finish, it's drinking beautifully today."
Wine Spectator
WS95
"Huge wine. Dark ruby-colored. Intense aromas of ripe fruit and game. Full-bodied and compacted, with masses of tannins and fruit, yet still closed and not giving much on the palate. Give this brute time."