hateau Cantemerle is a fifth growth Bordeaux estate in the Haut-Medoc which has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. It had been under ownership of the Villeneuve de Durfort family for over three hundred years until it was sold by Jeanne Armande to the Dubos family in 1892.

The Dubos family managed the estate until it was sold in 1981 to the SMABTP group. Many parcels of vines were pulled up during the war and the difficult years of 1930-1940, leaving only 20 hectares planted on the estate’s 70 hectares of vineyard land.

Cantemerle was a property in distress after a long period of difficulties, thus, renovation of the technical facilities and replanting of the vineyard was undertaken in successive steps. Thirty-five hectares of land which had lain fallow for almost 50 years were planted within 2 years and by 1987, the vineyard had grown to 60 hectares. Now, 144 years later, Cantemerle had returned to its original size at the time of the 1855 classification—90 hectares.

The unique soil and microclimate are reflected in the wine's personality. Cantemerle has a brilliant color, a powerful bouquet, and a soft, lively flavor. It is rare to find such refined fruitiness. This great wine can be enjoyed young, when it is charming, fruity, and marked by a vanilla taste which comes from well-integrated oak. This makes Cantemerle an ideal choice for the modern wine drinker who likes fresh tannins.

However, it can also age extremely well. Fine, old vintages have impeccable class, with incomparable flavors of sheer elegance. Cantemerle therefore belongs to that rare category of the world's wines which can not only age, but also improve over several decades.

This 2005 Cantemerle Bordeaux Blend from France is a wine of exceptional quality and elegance. With a deep red color, it is visually appealing and promises a delightful tasting experience. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.0%, which adds to its richness and complexity.

On the nose, this wine exhibits enticing aromas of blackberry and plum skin, intertwined with hints of vanilla. These aromas create an inviting bouquet that sets the stage for the sensory journey to come. The palate is greeted by a medium-to-full body, accompanied by soft and velvety tannins that provide a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel.

The first reviewer, Wine Spectator, awarded this wine a score of 90. They described it as an elegant and balanced style with a pretty fruity aftertaste that lingers on the palate. They recommended enjoying this wine after 2012, indicating its potential for further development with age.

James Suckling, another respected critic, gave this wine an impressive score of 93. He praised its depth and complexity on the nose, noting aromas of blueberries, fresh flowers, and hints of stones. Suckling also highlighted the wine's full-bodied nature, refined tannins, and long, lingering finish. He suggested that this wine will continue to improve over time and is already excellent.

Jeff Leve, an esteemed wine critic, awarded this vintage of Cantemerle 90 points. He described it as a delicate wine with an aroma of flowers, black raspberries, spice, and earth. Leve appreciated its pure elegance and refined nature, noting that it is not a wine for those seeking ripe and powerful flavors. He recommended enjoying this wine in the next 2-3 years to fully appreciate its delicate charms.

Jane Anson, a renowned wine critic, gave this wine a score of 92. She noted its consistent color and described the nose as fragrant, with hints of raspberry leaf and earthiness. Anson found the wine soft and autumnal on the palate, with flavors of loam, soy, orange peel, white pepper, brambled fruit, and undergrowth. She recommended enjoying this wine now to fully appreciate its gentle pleasures.

Overall, this 2005 Cantemerle Bordeaux Blend is a wine of exceptional quality, elegance, and sophistication. Its combination of fruity aromas, refined tannins, and delicate charms make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a memorable and enjoyable drinking experience.