Get to know:Chateau Cantemerle Grand Cru Classe Haut-Medoc 2015

Tasting Note

A silky, elegant claret from a quietly brilliant chteau.

This 2015 vintage from Chteau Cantemerle, a Grand Cru Class estate in the Haut-Mdoc, is drinking beautifully. Classic claret through and through, it opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, violet and cedar. On the palate, its smooth and poised ripe blackberry fruit framed by fine tannins, hints of graphite, forest floor and a gentle smoky spice from oak aging. The 2015 vintage brings balance, depth, and a long, graceful finish.

Top food pairings:

• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
• Vegan mushroom Wellington with red wine jus
• Mature cheeses like Comt or Manchego

When to drink it: This vintage is in a perfect spot now mellowed and complex but will hold its charm for another 58 years easily. A treat for a Sunday roast or an understated dinner party.

Kate Says

This is what I reach for when I want proper Bordeaux without the pomp. Its polished, yes, but not shouty a wine that whispers class. 2015 was a gorgeous year, and Cantemerle really nailed it. A great bottle to have in your stash for when you want something impressive but still approachable.

Producer Info

Chteau Cantemerle is one of the oldest estates in the Mdoc, with roots going back to the 12th century. It was classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquime Cru Class) in the famous 1855 Classification, and sits at the southern edge of the Haut-Mdoc, close to Margaux.

Owned by French insurance group SMABTP since the 1980s, the estate has seen thoughtful investment and a quiet renaissance. Under the stewardship of winemaker ric Boissenot (who consults for some of the biggest names in Bordeaux), Cantemerle has carved a reputation for elegant, finely tuned wines that age gracefully but dont need decades to show well.

How its made:

• Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (8%), and Petit Verdot (6%)
• Fermentation in temperature-controlled vats for precision and freshness
• Aged in French oak barriques (40% new) for 1214 months
• Gentle fining and filtration to preserve purity

The result is a claret with structure and soul layered and complex, but never overworked.