2017 Ch Cantemerle 5ème Cru, Haut-Médoc

92–94. Barrel Sample. Dry tannins and juicy fruit give this wine its structure while also bringing out the freshness of the vintage. There is a fine, juicy character that is already attractive. Drink from 2023.

92-94 points Roger Voss for Wine Enthusiast

Barley, walnut-shell and blackberry character. Full body. Chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. A little lean and tight now and needs some time to soften. Better after 2020.

92 points James Suckling

The 2017 Cantemerle is deep, fleshy and wonderfully expressive. Savory herb, tobacco, menthol, licorice, dark red cherry, smoke and incense run through this super-expressive, pliant Haut-Médoc Grand Cru Classé. All the elements simply meld together effortlessly. Rose petal, lavender and a host of floral notes add perfume to the finish. The 2017 should be one of the finer values of the year. Tasted two times.

89-92 points Antonio Galloni Vinous

One of the Médoc's most dependable classified growths, Château Cantemerle has been producing distinguished Bordeaux since the Middle Ages and was proudly included as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Classification. Set among magnificent parklands on the southern edge of the Haut Médoc, the estate has built a reputation for elegant, classically styled wines that consistently offer exceptional value and remarkable ageing potential.

The 2017 vintage demanded careful vineyard management, rewarding estates with the best terroirs and meticulous attention to detail. At Cantemerle, the deep gravel soils produced Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot of impressive purity and freshness, creating a wine that is refined, beautifully balanced and unmistakably Médoc in character.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet opens with aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry layered with cedar, graphite and cigar box. As the wine develops, notes of violets, tobacco leaf and subtle spice emerge, adding complexity and classic Left Bank charm. The palate is beautifully proportioned, combining vibrant black fruits with polished tannins, lively acidity and a finely etched mineral backbone. Elegant rather than powerful, the finish lingers with savoury spice, cedar and refined persistence.

A wonderful match for roast lamb, beef bourguignon, grilled rib eye, duck with mushrooms or mature hard cheeses. Drinking beautifully today with a generous decant, this classically styled Haut Médoc will continue to reward careful cellaring over the coming decade.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040.