Château Cantemerle Les Allées de Cantemerle Haut-Médoc 2018

Château Cantemerle boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it originally served as a fortified stronghold guarding the Medoc's shores. The earliest mention of its wine dates to 1354, when the Lord of Cantemerle settled a debt with a barrel of claret. Over the centuries, it changed hands several times until it had fallen into disrepair, with only 20 hectares of vineyards surrounding the château. A decision was made to revitalize the property, replanting an additional thirty-five hectares of vines using traditional Médoc standards, and refurbishing the cellars. In 1999, the estate expanded its holdings by purchasing twenty hectares of vineyards between Château Cantemerle and Château La Lagune. Today, Château Cantemerle stretches across a sprawling ninety-one hectares of vineyards, returning to the same size it had during the 1855 Medoc classification. The vineyard is predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Petit Verdot (4%), boasting an average vine age of 30 years.

All of their wines undergo meticulous hand harvesting and follow traditional winemaking practices, including the use of wooden conical frustum vats. The wines are aged individually for 12 to 16 months in French oak casks, with 50% of the oak being new, and then they spend an additional 4 months in vat after blending.

Les Allées de Cantermele is the second wine of Château Cantemerle which can be traced back to the 12th century. Alluring nose of sweet red cherry and plum with hints of cedar and savoury notes. Full-bodied with firm tannins and concentrated fruits. This can be enjoyed now but will keep for a few years.