Château Cantelys 2016 is a red Pessac-Léognan from Martillac, in the Graves sector south of Bordeaux. The estate, created in 1987 by Dominique Lurton, was owned from 1994 by Florence and Daniel Cathiard (also owners of Château Smith Haut Lafitte). In 2016, the red-wine vineyard was planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot on mostly gravel soils with some clay, a classic left-bank mix aimed at structure and longevity.

Decanter’s blind-tasting panel delivered the standout appraisal, awarding an excellent 95 points and calling it “long, lingering, a classy Pessac” (Decanter). Their notes also supply detailed winemaking information: grapes were “handpicked and sorted twice,” then “whole-berry fermented in large oak vats” and aged “14 months in 25% new French oak barrels” (Decanter). The same panel describes a wine that combines ripeness with drive: Andy Howard MW finds “damson and cherry” on the nose with a “fleshy palate, bright acidity and some firm but ripe tannins,” plus a “hint of bitterness on the finish” that “adds to the feeling of freshness” (Decanter). Robert Mathias points to “clove, anise, cedar and coffee,” along with “great concentration” and a “spicy liquorice and black pepper finish” (Decanter). Tim Triptree MW emphasizes “rich and complex aromatics,” “great fruit intensity,” and “well integrated oak” (Decanter).

Other critics reinforce the style and value. Wine Spectator scores it 92, noting it is “lush in feel” with “boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit…atop a velvety structure,” and recommends it “Best from 2021 through 2031,” reporting “1,250 cases made” (Wine Spectator). Wine Enthusiast rates it 92 from barrel, calling it “juicy…packed with black currant fruit” and “crisp acidity” (Wine Enthusiast). James Suckling lands at 90, describing a “soft and fruity red” that is “delicious and refined” (James Suckling).