Winemaker Notes
Blend: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
The Barrel Sample for this wine is under 14% ABV.
*Please note that the price on Wine.com of this 2019 Bordeaux Future does not include any tariffs. As of June 2020, there remains a 25% tariff imposed on French wines below 14% Alcohol-by-Volume by the U.S. and approved by the World Trade Organization related to the Airbus/Boeing dispute. We are hopeful that this is a short-term tariff which will not be in place when the wine is ready to be imported into the U.S., as Bordeaux Futures typically ship 2-years after they are offered. Should tariffs still be in effect when the wine is ready to be imported, we will contact affected customers with an update to our plans and timing.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThis grand classed growth has produced a richly structured wine that is balanced by ripe black fruits. It shows spice from the touch of Petit Verdot in the blend, as well as fine acidity and freshness that give it poise and a vibrant finish.
Barrel Sample: 93-95
Crushed berries and walnuts with red-chili and mushroom notes. It’s medium-to full-bodied and soft. Juicy at the end. Ripe tannins and good balance.
Barrel Sample: 93-94
Enticing aromatics, clear cassis fruits, astringency on the tannins which bodes well for the ageing as they also have good pliability. Not quite up with their very best vintages but we are getting close here, with tension to the core of the wine, well-judged berry fruit extraction, and clear structure overall. Great Médoc signature. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Barrel Sample: 92
This consistent estate has produced a rocking 2019 Château Cantemerle. Based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, its deep purple color is followed by classic notes of blackcurrants, cedary herbs, dried earth, and chocolate. Medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and textured on the palate, this solid, possibly outstanding, Haut-Médoc should keep for 15 years.
Barrel Sample: 89-91
Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Cantemerle springs from the glass with exuberant notions of raspberry preserves, crushed blackcurrants and Morello cherries plus hints of cloves, cassia, eucalyptus and melted chocolate with a waft of dried herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate has a real skip in its step with crunchy red and black fruit flavors and a racy line of freshness, finishing a little chewy.
Barrel Sample: 89-91
After belonging to the Villeneuve (1579-1892) and Dubos (1892-1980) families, the chateau was acquired in 1981 by Groupe SMA, a large mutual insurance company in the construction and civil engineering sector. The estate's long history is reflected in the chateau's distinctive architecture and the magnificent grounds that surround it. Cantemerle exudes romantic charm and its wine has a magical feel to it!
While it claims the same basic landscape as the Medoc—only every so slightly elevated above river level—the Haut Medoc is home to all of the magnificent chateaux of the Left Bank of Bordeaux, creating no lack of beautiful sites to see.
These chateaux, residing over the classed-growth cru in the villages of Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St-Julien, Pauillac and St. Estephe are within the Haut Medoc appellation. Though within the confines of these villages, any classed-growth chateaux will most certainly claim village or cru status on their wine labels.
Interestingly, some classed-growth cru of the Haut Medoc fall outside of these more famous villages and can certainly be a source of some of the best values in Bordeaux. Deep in color, and concentrated in ripe fruit and tannins, these wines (typically Cabernet Sauvignon-based) often prove the same aging potential of the village classed-growths. Among these, the highest ranked chateaux are Chateau La Lagune and Chateau Cantemerle.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
