2011 Château Cantemerle, 5th Growth Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France

An elegant, successful 2011, Cantemerle has produced a finesse-styled wine with a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of flowers, mulberries, raspberries and blueberries. With dramatic quality and purity, this medium-bodied effort possesses sweet tannins and a texture that builds incrementally. A lighter-styled, but beautifully crafted, well done 2011, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-15 years.

Our thoughts

Cantemerle is among the more understated classed growths in the Médoc, the aesthetic appeal of its actual château being matched by the fragrant, supple nature of its wine, which is made more seductive still by the relatively high proportion of Merlot in the mix. It’s an estate that is likely to gain profile in the coming years, with a new team in place and a new cellar on the way. In similar fashion, 2011 was something of an underrated vintage in Bordeaux, overshadowed by the hyped 2010s, despite it being the hottest year since 2003. The wines, though, have evolved gracefully, and this offers an opportunity to enjoy classic claret at a bargain price.