2005 Cantemerle (Haut-Medoc)

This 2005 is really coming into its own, with soft, welcoming rose bud, chalk, bilberry, cocoa bean and tobacco. The tannins remain well structured, and you can see the muscles that kept this pretty closed for the first decade. Ready to drink, but it will continue to soften further over the next few years before fully reaching its drinking window. Philippe Dambrine estate director (arrived 1993). Eric Boissenot`s first vintage as consultant, replacing Georges Pauli. 50% new oak for ageing, light fining but no filtration before bottling. Suggest a good three hours in a carafe before drinking. 93 points