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Château Cantemerle 2003

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Starting at: $70.54 USD

4 Reviews

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Winery:: Château Cantemerle
Varietal:: Bordeaux Blend
Region:: France > Bordeaux > Haut-médoc
Type:: Red Wine
Color:
Drink Dates:: 2010 - 2015
UPC:

User Tags: open, chemical, stone fruits, color descriptors, fruit, earthy, plum, nose, acidic, fine

What to Expect

Arguably the most renowned wines on earth, the classed growths of Bordeaux continue to epitomize the power and complexity Bordeaux blends are capable of. While most wines here are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, both Merlot and Cabernet Franc play important roles in adding layered complexity to the finished wines, and allow winemakers in each commune within the region to use the blend that is best suited to their unique combination of soil and meso-climate. The most famous communes each have their own classic traits with St. Estephe giving full, if rustic wines, from the heavy clay soils, to Paulliac's elegant balance of ripe fruits, minerality and structure to St. Julien's rich blackberry core and supple feel. Moving to the South of the region brings one to Margaux, with its notes of flowers and berries draped over a feminine frame, and then to the Graves region with wines redolent of tobacco, gravel and smoke. To the East lies the famous appellations of St. Emillion, with its wonderfully ripe Cabernet Franc, and Pomerol where Merlot rules the roost and produces deep, plush wines of uncommon refinement.

Winemakers Notes

The 2003 vintage is largely dominated by the Cabernets, which gives it its particular, fine personality; the 20% of Merlot in this year’s Château Cantemerle is the smallest proportion for the grape since 1991. This was the year of extraordinarily high summer temperatures, producing an explosion of fruit on the palate. The wine is still quite young and not yet showing its full potential; nonetheless, it is evident that there is no lack of balance or freshness, despite the vintage’s extreme conditions. All of this augers well for the wine, which will reward patience without fear of disappointment.

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2006, 1993, 2002, 1979, 1991, 2004, 1994, 1998, 2007, 1989, 2005, 2000, 1983, 1953, 1949, 1996, 2001, 1995, 1999, 1959, 1990, 1988, 1970, 1975, 1982, 1981, 1969, 1984, 1936, 1987, 1972, 1964, 1966, 1971, 1961, 1937, 1978, NV, 1980, 1976, 1928, 1997, 1985, 1992, 1945, 1986, 1965, 2008

Reviews Add a Review

Wine Advocate
# 164

Rating: 85/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 164 on Apr-06

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drdebs

Founding Member Hand of Snooth

1,474

Purchased 4/06, received 12/06. Cost $21. Upon first opening, aromas of funk, earth, and leather. As it opens up, the earth remains with the addition of plums, cassis, and some herbal notes. Silky texture. Tastes like a cross between Burgundy and Bordeaux. Still awkward. Will be interesting to see what happens to it over the next 2-4 years.

June 2009