Château Cantemerle Haut-Medoc 2014

Château Cantemerle, a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is located in the Haut-Médoc appellation, renowned for its classically structured wines. The 2014 vintage was marked by cooler conditions, resulting in a more restrained and elegant expression of Bordeaux, emphasising balance and finesse over sheer power. This vintage from Cantemerle showcases the estate’s commitment to producing wines with bright fruit, subtle earthiness, and fine tannins, making it ideal for those who appreciate classic Bordeaux with ageing potential.

The wine is a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The gravelly soils of the Haut-Médoc contribute to the wine’s signature minerality and refined tannic structure.

Appearance: Medium ruby with garnet hues, showing its development and readiness for drinking, though with potential for further ageing.

Aroma: Elegant and complex, with aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, and plum, intertwined with earthy notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. As the wine opens, subtle hints of dried herbs, forest floor, and a touch of vanilla from the oak aging add depth to the nose.

Taste: Medium-bodied, the palate is graceful yet structured, offering flavours of redcurrant, cherry, and blackberry balanced by savoury notes of leather, tobacco, and graphite. The tannins are fine-grained and integrated, providing a smooth, velvety texture, while a fresh acidity lifts the fruit, maintaining balance and vibrancy. Subtle earthy and herbal notes add complexity and length to the wine’s profile.

Finish: Long and refined, with lingering red fruit, cedar, and earthy minerality. The tannins remain smooth, and the acidity ensures a crisp, clean finish, making the wine both refreshing and structured.

Pairings: Slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero, parsley, garlic, onion jam, and red wine jus. The wine’s earthy notes and acidity will balance the richness of the pork, while its refined tannins complement the savoury jamon and herbaceous cavolo nero.

Charred broccolini with olive soil, chive, dried parsley, and toasted bearnaise sugo. The wine’s herbal and earthy complexity will enhance the charred, savoury flavours of the broccolini and toasted sugo.

Château Cantemerle Haut-Médoc 2014 is a refined and elegant expression of Bordeaux, showcasing balance, structure, and restraint. Its medium-bodied profile and fine tannins make it versatile for pairing with a range of dishes, particularly those with herbaceous or earthy components. Though drinking beautifully now, this wine also has the potential to evolve further over the next 5–8 years.