The 2020 growing season in the Haut-Médoc was blessed with warm, dry weather, resulting in early budbreak, and the dry summer brought the harvest forward. For Château Cantemerle, situated on the sandy and gravelly soils of haut Medoc, these conditions proved ideal for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. The 2020 vintage exhibits the concentration typical of a dry year, while also offering the freshness that comes from the gravelly terroir and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, qualities characteristic of this Fifth Growth wine. This vintage was crafted with cellaring in mind.
Robert Parker (92)
The 2020 Cantemerle has turned out well in bottle, offering up aromas of rich black fruits, plums, pencil shavings and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with ripe, powdery structuring tannins and a nicely defined finish, it's generous and expressive while remaining classically proportioned.
James Suckling (94)
Aromas of blackcurrants and kirsch with hints of dried blood orange, licorice and cocoa. Medium- to full-bodied with layers of well-integrated, finely polished tannins. Structured and toned with a fresh and lively fruit-forward palate, seasoned with spices and dried herbs. Lingering, chalky finish. Delicious now, but better after 2026.
Jancis Robinson (16)
Tasted blind. Very dark. Sweet and ripe, a bit like Ribena. Powerful, chewy and very primary in its fruit profile, with enough freshness, just needs time to mesh. Julia Harding MW
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
I continue to love the wines from Cantemerle, which is located in the Haut-Médoc. The 2020 Château Cantemerle is deeply hued with lots of Bing cherry, tobacco, and cedary notes that flow to a medium-bodied, elegant, yet concentrated 2020 with fine tannins and a great finish. Another classic vintage from this estate, this beauty is going to evolve for 15+ years if well-stored.
Falstaff (92)
Dark ruby garnet colour, purple reflections, delicate ochre rim. Inviting nuances of liquorice, black forest berries, attractive bouquet, subtle hints of sea buckthorn and candied violets. Juicy, elegant, fine acidity, ripe tannins, a well-developed food wine, remains persistent, has further ageing potential.
