The 2021 Cantemerle is a very strong effort in a challenging year, offering up aromas of blackcurrants and plums mingled with hints of spice box, black truffle and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, it`s supple and succulent, with a generous core of fruit and a saline finish. It`s sure to number among the sleepers of the vintage. 90-91 points

The 2021 Cantemerle has a pleasant, cedar-inspired bouquet, the light black fruit gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite structured, revealing classic tobacco notes toward a finish of decent length. This will do fine as an early-drinking claret. 88-90 points

The 2021 Cantemerle is a powerful, classically built wine. Pipe tobacco, cedar, blood orange and exotic spice all run through its mid-weight frame. The Cabernets are especially evident in this year`s blend. There`s good depth and plenty of character. All the 2021 needs is élevage to pull it all together. 89-91 points

Bright dark fruit, well constructed with fresh acidities and a leafy, rose stem aspect the emphasies the Caberrnet. There is juice on the finish here, but hard tannins also, and it needs further softening over ageing. Tasted twice. 50hl/h yield, generous for the vintage, 40% new oak. 87 points