Château Cantemerle - Haut-Médoc - Red - 2021

Wine:

In the approachable, flavour-driven style that has made its name, the 2021 Château Cantemerle Haut-Médoc Red is simply a joy to drink. Bursting with aromas of red cherry and raspberry, it shows plenty of finesse alongside a lovely length on the palate. A beautifully made wine—and a great buy—not to be missed. Rated 92/100 by Revue du Vin de France, one of France’s leading wine publications and favorite wine rated 94/100 by our Tasting Committee!

Vinification:

Hand harvested from 22 September to 3 October. Vines aged 40 years on average. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (40% new wood, 40% one-wine wood, 20% two-wine wood).

Wine produced on a Level 3 High Environmental Value farm.

Color:

Deep, bright red.

Nose:

Beautiful aromas of red fruits mixed with spicy notes.

Palate:

A delicate yet persistent wine, well-balanced and easy to drink with silky tannins.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C in a large glass.

Food and wine pairing:

Beef rib in a herb crust, roast leg of lamb.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035 and beyond for enthusiasts

This is, without question, the highlight of the Haut-Médoc in this vintage.

Laure Canu makes a remarkable debut with her first vintage at Château Cantemerle. While this Grand Cru Classé has long been one of Bordeaux’s smartest buys, the 2021 takes things to another level.

The wine opens with beautifully defined aromas—think blackcurrant, wild plum, and a touch of violet—lifted by subtle notes of cedar and graphite. Oak aging has been handled with precision, adding gentle layers of spice and structure without ever overshadowing the wine’s finesse. On the palate, it’s all silk and grace, with a juicy, savoury core and a lingering, polished finish. A truly elegant expression that more than lives up to its pedigree.