Red
2021
HAUT-MÉDOC
GRAND CRU CLASSÉ EN 1855
GROUPE SMA
Varietal blend
65% Cabernet Sauvignon
21% Merlot
9% Cabernet Franc
5% Petit Verdot
Alcohol by volume
13°
Quantity produced
300 000 bottles
Size of the vineyard
96 ha
Average age of vines
40 years old
Grape varieties
68% Cabernet Sauvignon,
23% Merlot,
5% Cabernet Franc
4% Petit Verdot
Soil type
Gravel with quaternary silica
Vineyard skills
Sustainable
Yields in hls/ha
50 hls/ha
Vinification
Maturing/ageing : 12 months, 40% new French oak
Owner's words
The tireless work put in by the whole team, the meticulous knowledge of the vineyard, and the estate's warmish sandy-gravel soils enabled, despite challenging conditions, the harvesting of grapes that were phenolically fully ripe and in very good health. The structure of this vintage favours the freshness and intensity of fruit flavour, which provides the wine, despite its young age, with great drinkability. Judicious ageing in barrel will enable a refining of the tannins which are already smooth and round. The palate, which is balanced and dense, reveals a superbly elegant finish. In the words of Eric Boissenot, Château Cantermerle's consultant since 2005, "Cantemerle is very comfortable with this type of vintage. The estate's Cabernet Sauvignon shows great breed and soul and brings excellent tension to the wine. It provides the wine's backbone. Both digestible and complex. 2021 is balanced and full of energy and characterised by its length of flavour."