Château Cantemerle Haut-Médoc 2016 - 5ème Grand Cru Classé
95/100
Yves Beck
94/100 Coup de Cœur
RVF
94/100
James Suckling
94/100
Bettane & Desseauve
94/100
Le Figaro
1*Étoile
Hachette
“Incredibly smooth and distinctly South Médoc in character, this best-seller has a lot to offer!”
“The color of the 2016 Cantemerle speaks volumes right from the start; it is deep purple with violet highlights. The nose is complex and intense, marked by fruity and spicy notes, as well as hints of licorice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep, and perfectly balanced. It features powerful, dense, and fine-grained tannins. The acidity is well-defined and fully fulfills its role as a supporting and refreshing element. As time goes on, the aromatic character gains in intensity, right through to the finish. What a success. As far as I can remember, this is the best Cantemerle I have ever tasted. Sincere congratulations to the entire team! You deserve a lot of credit!” (Yves Beck 2018) - Delivery in a wooden case is available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on the country and shipping method selected)
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Eye
Deep, intense color
Nose
A complex nose with spicy and fruity notes, such as raspberry and blackcurrant
Palate
Powerful yet elegant on the palate, the aromas coat the entire mouth with the vintage’s characteristic notes: tobacco, blackcurrant, oak, and clove—typical of fully ripe Cabernet—presented in a subtle profile that will develop over time. Very supple tannins that fade away on the mid-palate, leading into the finish. Full of charm and delicacy
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
1 hour ago
Drink from
2022
Drink before
2030
Guard
2035
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with veal roast with chanterelle mushrooms, charcoal-grilled rib roast, or a hard cheese such as Ossau-Iraty...
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated (2018 guide) 94/100
Rated estate (2022 guide): 3 stars (High-quality production, setting the standard in its sector)
About the wine:
Lots of freshness and finesse, almost floral—which is rare for a 2016 vintage—long, subtle, and very typical of the southern Médoc. Best enjoyed between 2026 and 2031.
About the estate:
Like its neighbors in the Ludon-Macau sector, Cantemerle suffered from the inclement weather of 2017 and 2018, which temporarily halted its magnificent improvement in quality. All the more reason to turn to vintages from previous years, which showcase the full finesse of which this vast 90-hectare terroir is capable. Prices remain affordable, and the vintage is in fine form in 2019. The arrival of a new director, Laure Canu, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the estate.
Guide Hachette des vins
Wine noted (guide 2020) 1*Star (Very successful wine)
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the wine:
The wine’s brilliant ruby color gives way to a subtle bouquet that grows in complexity with each passing second, revealing notes of flowers, red berries, and spices. Frank and supple on the palate, it is well-balanced with good tannic development, followed by a long finish. 2022–2028
About the estate:
Intense and complex, with lovely notes of red fruit and vanilla, the bouquet is as elegant as the ruby-red color. Bold and supple on the palate, the wine then builds in intensity, developing an imposing, full-bodied character, supported by fine, velvety tannins and a skillfully balanced oakiness.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated wine (2020 guide) 94/100 Favorite
Rated estate (2022 guide) 1*Star (Up-and-coming stars or quality winemakers producing wines of a high standard—you won’t be disappointed when you taste the wines from these estates)
About the wine:
The 2016 is starting to come together a bit. It has good body on the palate, with substance, length, and a juicy quality. Let’s give it some time to develop.
About the estate:
Philippe Dambrine has just handed over the reins to Laure Canu at the helm of this classic Médoc estate. While Cantemerle has always produced elegant, easy-drinking wines, those crafted over the past decade have gained added depth and definition, clearly positioning it as one of the best values in the entire Médoc. The work in the vineyard and the winemaking and blending choices made in recent years are paying off. Now is the time to enjoy them, especially since their aging potential is remarkable, as we have often seen.
Wine Enthusiast
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
James Suckling
Wine rated (2019 guide) 94/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
This elegant, medium-bodied Haut-Médoc offers abundant aromas of mint, blackberry, and blackcurrant. It combines freshness with ripeness and features a long, clean finish with mineral and herbal notes. An incredibly smooth wine to pair with your meals! Enjoy now or save for the future.
Le Figaro vins
Wine rated (2017 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
Nose: black berries, plum, floral notes, vanilla, and a distinct woody character. Palate: fresh, fruity, and long-lasting, with lovely acidity and a rich, indulgent flavor.
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2018 guide) 95/100
About the wine:
The color of the 2016 Cantemerle speaks volumes right from the start; it is deep purple with violet highlights. The nose is complex and intense, marked by fruity and spicy notes, as well as hints of licorice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep, and perfectly balanced. It features powerful, dense, and fine-grained tannins. The acidity is well-defined and fully fulfills its role as a supporting element and refresher. As time goes on, the aromatic character gains in intensity, right through to the finish. What a success. As far as I can remember, this is the best Cantemerle I have ever tasted. Sincere congratulations to the entire team! You deserve a lot of credit! 2024–2041
Customer rating
4/5
based on 18 reviews
Review by Mr. PHILIPPE C. Published on March 4, 2019
Based on the many vintages I’ve already tasted, I have no doubt this will be a great year—one I’ll be sharing in two or three years’ time
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Review by Mr. OLIVIER H. Published on August 13, 2025
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Review by Mr. WYATT B. Posted on August 11, 2025
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Review by Mr. HERVE B. Published on 08/06/2025
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Review by Mr. BRUNO G. Published on 12/31/2024
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Review by Mr. DOMINIQUE R. Published on July 26, 2022
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Review by Mr. TIM C. Posted on April 4, 2022
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Review by Ms. SANDRINE N. Published on 12/22/2021
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Review by Mr. PATRICK C. Posted on July 14, 2021
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Review by Mr. GILBERT D. Published on June 23, 2021
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