Cantemerle 2012

This red shows some cassis, blueberries and floral notes on the nose. Some tar, too. Medium to full body, juicy tannins and a fruity finish. Enticing wine. Drink now or hold.

With a dense, ruby/purple color, low acidity, ripe tannin and well above-average depth, this is really an elegant, cleanly made, pure style of wine, with floral notes, mixed with blueberry and black cherry. It’s medium bodied, with light tannin and is best drunk over the next 10-12 years.

The Cantemerle has a fine bouquet that demonstrates clarity and lift – graphite infused black fruit, expressive Cabernet fruit to the fore. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, edge tannins and a lovely citric seam that cuts through the mocha-tinged fruit. The oak feels a little heavy-handed at this stage, but it should integrated well and become a fine Cantemerle for the vintage. Tasted April 2013.

Deep dark crimson. Sweet cherry chocolate on the nose. Rich but fluid. Lively, juicy, fresh and harmonious. Very attractive in a lighter style but has very good length too. (JH)