Château Cantemerle 2007 Revisited

(Ai Photo)

The wine has a vivid ruby red wwith a tight garnet rim, hich indicates that it is mature yet still retains a youthful freshness. Its aroma combines fresh fruit with some dried flavours; on a second tasting, both redcurrant and dried fruit could be detected, together with the typical claret characteristics and a hint of tobacco. The tertiary aromas are kept in check so that the fruit can be the dominant note. The final impression is one of harmony and good integration.

At first, the palate is characterised by a lifted acidity, together with a mix of fruits and a hint of tobacco. The wine has a smooth texture similar to that of the neighbouring Saint-Julien, showing the traditional balance of Bordeaux and a certain aromatic delicacy. It features soft notes of blackcurrant and cherry, along with fine, well-integrated tannins, and leaves a medium-length, clean, and well-balanced finish. A good food wine.

This 2007 vintage is elegant and unobtrusive and can be drunk today. It is lighter in body and less structured than some of the more famous years, and might appear less intense than more luxurious Bordeaux. Yet at HK$240—much lower than the current market average of HK$470 to HK$700—Cantemerle 2007 provides good value among mature Left Bank Bordeaux, with a focus on balance and ease of drinking rather than on strength. It has no considerable ageing potential.

Cantemerle 2007 consists of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot; it was aged for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which were new and this has given rise to the tobacco and smoky flavours; the period during which it can be drunk extends from 2015 to 2028; it has been given a score of 88 by Wine Spectator, 87 by Wine Advocate and 87 by Vinous; we consider it to be 90; the alcohol by volume is 12.5%.

Although a lower price doesn't always ensure quality, Cantemerle 2007 is an exception: its pedigree, balance, and pleasure go beyond what one might expect at such an affordable price; here, value and quality align, making it a satisfying choice for careful drinkers.