A concentrated, spiced and rich Petit Cantenac, good quality and packs a punch. A reflection of a concentrated year with low yields that came from the summer drought and a few heat spikes in early September. The fruit is full of dark berries, autumnal blackberries with edges of fig, giving a fresh lift on the finish with touches of toasted mocha from the oak. No need to wait too long to enjoy this wine, although give it a good hour in a carafe to really open it up. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2033
Tasted by: Jane Anson (at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)

The 2020 Petit Cantenac offers a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, hints of dates and licorice developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy structure, that licorice element coming through again, and finishes fresh, sweet and slightly raisiny. Fine.

85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Some new oak.
Deepest purple-crimson. Warm, sweet aroma of damsons and plums, sweet spice and violets as it opens. Very Merlot. Plus a hint of charry, spicy oak adding a more savoury aspect. As well as a leather-like note that is surprising on a young wine. Firm, chewy, thickly textured tannins but remarkably smooth. Rich, broad in the mouth, just slightly lacking freshness though the savoury character helps to make up for it. Dark-chocolate-like aftertaste. (JH)