Cantemerle 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014

The wines shown here primarily feature a well-balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot, complemented by a smaller amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It showcases a deep ruby colour and a refined bouquet with notes of mixed black fruit, sweet spices, and pepper. The wines from these five reasonable(2012, 2007, 2008, for example) or excellent years(say, 2009, 2014) offer a round, solid, and harmonious taste with good complexity, a long finish, and a delicate palate, providing excellent value. All vintages have medium to medium-deep ruby-red colour and present sound, fresh acidity and balanced alcohol, although the finish is affected by sometimes astringent tannins in younger vintages, but never with these 5 vintages. Overall, they all maintain good fruit character with a silky finish, regardless of vintages. All bottles are currently available.

 In the 2007 vintage, RP awarded 90 points, describing the wine as a beautiful blend of elegance and intensity. Its medium-bodied, dark plum/purple hue and floral-infused bouquet offer a unique tasting experience. The wine continues to evolve, with the scent of toffee emerging on aeration, adding complexity. The drinking window is open for 3 to 4 years, promising future enjoyment for those who appreciate a well-aged wine.

Cantemerle 2008, rightly put by RP, produces somewhat understated, restrained, but finesse-filled wines. He revised his score of 91 to 88 mainly because the continued understatedness seems unable to convey its ability to flesh out to warrant better age-worthiness. We understand and agree. However, the medium-bodied 2008 offers elegant notes of raspberries, red currants, crushed rocks and oak backed up by good concentration, sweet tannin and no hard edges. He is still holding up. Drink soon, though.

The 2009 vintage, acclaimed with 93 points by GG, is a strong contender. It boasts an intense garnet-red hue and a profound nose of ripe red fruits subtly enhanced by lightly roasted oak. The wine makes a complete, generous, and fruit-forward entry, with a delicious fruit expression supported by pronounced exuberance and a good-length finish despite a slight touch of greenness. This unique tasting experience is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

2012 is improving. RP(NM) awarded 88, saying this is a dense, ruby/purple-coloured claret with low acidity, ripe tannin and well above average depth. Elegant, cleanly made, with purity and tantalizing floral note mixed with blueberry and black cherry, it's medium-bodied and lightly tannined. Nonetheless, JS awarded 92 points. Other MW tasters at Farr 92+ say it commands excellent, fresh blackcurrant and cherry, with complex hints of camphor and blackcurrant leaf and a touch of sweet vanilla. Significant developments have occurred in the glass for increasing complexity. The palate is compact and fresh, with bright red and black berries shining through. There are some excellent cedar and tobacco scents, with the tannins wonderfully integrated into the wine, adding just the proper savoury bite. A finely etched finish results in a moreish, well-proportioned and finely balanced Bordeaux; this 2012 is holding up well.

But if you like powerful and fleshier Cantemerle, 2014 is the way to go. Well Put by JS, this strong floral character highlights the aromas of currants and berries. It has a whole body and a firm, tight centre palate: silky tannins and a savoury, creamy-textured finish complete this beautifully balanced red. Try it now- it's already gorgeous to taste.