2016 EP Cantemerle
Deep ruby; tight rim. Blackcurranty, fragrant, violets, roses, a little toast and vanilla too. Smooth palate with lifted acidity, minerality and layered with toast and incense from high quality, integrate oak. Tones of cedar and graphite. Medium bodied. Consistent style. Reliable, never jammy, fine palate, good tannins, structured, excellent value. So we need to buy this stock. Delivers; not much surprises.
Consistent scores.
The 2016 Cantemerle has a tightly wound bouquet and it never quite delivers the detail and mineralité that some of its peers have produced in this vintage. There are attractive undergrowth scents and a touch of tobacco, but it does not leap from the glass with joy. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, good depth of fruit, blackberry laced with cedar and graphite. One sample was missed a little precision, however, a second and third demonstrated much more precision and tension. My score reflects this. Drink 2020 - 2030
Score: 90/92
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (230), April 2017
Dense and chewy already with plenty of ripe tannins and bright fruit. Vivid acidity. Full body, a firm and silky texture and a flavorful finish. Lots going on. Excellent follow-up to the great 2015!
Score: 94/95
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, March 2017
The 2016 Cantemerle comes across as raw and not fully put together. Even so, the wine possesses superb richness, volume and depth. Iron, smoke, raspberry jam and succulent cherry notes are all pushed forward. Plush and racy, with striking depth, this succulent, expressive Haut-Médoc is built for pleasure. Tasted two times.
Score: 89/92
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2017
