A rich and layered young Bordeaux with a solid center palate of ripe fruit and coated with ripe and polished tannins. Tightly wound ball now. Pretty texture and length to this. - jamessuckling.com, April 2019

Ripe and dense on the nose. Firm, rich and solid palate with ripe blackcurrant and plum fruit which finishes quite fresh. - April 2019

The 2018 Cantemerle is a soft, easygoing wine with only limited depth. The challenges of the growing season are impossible to escape in this fleeting, light-weight effort. The 2018 offers good immediacy, but is also a bit lacking in depth and persistence. Graphite, dark spice and blackberry open up nicely. Severe hail took with it 50% of the crop. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, May 2019

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cantemerle leaps from the glass with scents of Morello cherries, raspberry pie, fruitcake and prunes, plus hints of potpourri and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is chewy and a little tart, featuring some otherwise pleasant fruitcake flavors, finishing just a little drying and rustic.

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc; 40% new oak. Barrel sample. Darkest crimson rim with black core. Elderberry-like tangy fruit. Juicy in the middle even with the layers of dryish tannins. But the finish is rather too dry for overall harmony. (JH)