Haut-Médoc

2015

2nd wine

60% Cabernet Sauvignon
40% Merlot

Region: Bordeaux

ESTATE HISTORY

The Cantemerle estate has a long history in the Haut Médoc with the first mention as early as 1147 - of the Pons de Cantemerle - the estate's lord having proudly adopted Canta Merla (or blackbird's song) as his name. Mention of viticulture dates back to 1354 with the Ponset de Cantemerle recorded as paying a debt in wine, a tonneau of clairet. In the past the status of Cantemerle as an original 1855 classification wine had been erroneously questioned since it was not included in the first publication of the classification - it has in fact been included in all the listings dated after the 16th Sept. 1855.

TERROIR

Located in the far south of the Medoc peninsula, almost on the outskirts of Bordeaux itself, the estate has become renowned for producing complex, well-balanced and refined wines thanks in large part to this unique terroir. Today the Chateau owns 190 hectares of land with 87 hectares under production with Les Allees - their second wine - being produced mainly from the younger vines. It is however made just like its elder brother - with the same attention given to selection and quality - and possesses all the same personality as the grand vin.

VITICULTURE

Sustainable farming practices.

WINEMAKING

Total destemming. The grapes are hand-sorted before crushing. Ageing for 12 months in french oak barrel and vat ultra light fining.

TASTING & FOOD PAIRINGS

From the start, expressive aromas are evident, both fruity and floral; then, in the mouth the wine shows a mouth-filling richness which combines charm and tannic depth. This is a generous wine, full of zest, whose silky structure makes it very inviting.

90 points Vinous
"The 2015 Allées de Cantemerle has a very refined and delineated bouquet with blackberry, crushed stone and light mint aromas - quite Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a little raw at the moment but it will mesh together. There is a fine spiciness/white pepper note on the finish. What an outstanding second wine."

Serve it with a starter of creamed mushrooms in puff pastry, Reblochon cheese, river fish such as pike-perch, roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean vegetables.