July 3, 2025
Bordeaux Bargain: Cantemerle 2019
2019 Cantemerle - Bordeaux Bargain!
The 2019 vintage of Cantemerle has seen remarkable score upgrades since its En Primeur release, rising from an initial 89–91 points to 94 and even 95 points in bottle. Neal Martin was the most recent to taste it—blind, no less—and awarded it 93 points, declaring: “This is a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value. No excuse not to have this in your cellar.”
One of the oldest classified estates in the Médoc, Chateau Cantemerle boasts a legacy dating back to the 12th century. Located in the southern Haut-Médoc near Macau, its gravel-rich terroir produces elegant, aromatic wines that favour finesse over power. Since its 1855 classification, Cantemerle has become known for offering reliably age-worthy Bordeaux at fair prices. Modern investment and expert winemaking have only sharpened its identity: graceful, Cabernet-led blends with poise, perfume, and real Left Bank charm.
The 2019 Cantemerle is a standout vintage, praised for its precision, charm, and exceptional value. Aromas of blackcurrant, violet, cedar, and herbs lead into a polished, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a bright, fresh finish. With huge score upgrades on the in bottle tastings up 95 points, it balances Left Bank structure with graceful finesse. Aged in 40% new oak, it shows real depth and ageing potential. Classic, characterful, and beautifully priced—this is one to have in the cellar.
With a drinking window stretching to 2050, this is a wine to enjoy now or lay down with confidence. Neal Martin calls it “a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value”—and we couldn’t agree more. At just €21* In Bond per bottle this week, Cantemerle 2019 is top-class claret at everyday prices—an unmissable opportunity for Bordeaux lovers.
Cantemerle 2019
€21.50 In Bond per bottle
95 Points | James Suckling
A red with lots of currant, blackberry, fresh-herb and tobacco character. Hint of mushroom, too. It’s full and layered with polished, chewy tannins and a bright and fresh finish. Very long and focused. Give it time to come together. Very classic character here. Best after 2026.
94 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle
Green pepper and herbaceous notes on the nose with minty eucalyptus alongside ripe cherry and blackcurrant aromas - so classic. A lovely mouthfeel here, smooth, well defined and preise. Quite direct, serious and darkly fruited - such a concentrated core - but with smooth tannins, a soft sweetness and freshness that lifts the overall frame. Balanced with succulence. Makes a lasting impact and impression. A great value pick.
93 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2019 Cantemerle has a fruit-driven bouquet with opulent blackberry and blueberry fruit, certainly one of the most floral in the flight with pressed violets developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, fleshy and rounded, though I am looking for more tension and precision on the finish. This is a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value. No excuse not to have this in your cellar. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2050
93 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
Sweet berry, plum and cassis fruit, this is ripe with precision, finesse and tension, fragrant rose and black tea aromatics, balanced, easy to share, the finesse of Cantemerle is on full display, chalky with a scrape of graphite, plenty of Left Bank signature. 55hl/h yield, 40% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Philippe Dambrine estate director.
92 Points | Wine Advocate, William Kelley
Opening in the glass with notions of rich berry fruit, licorice, cedar, violets and loamy soil, the 2019 Cantemerle is medium to full-bodied, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. This shut down a little after bottling (some 11 months ago at the time of writing), but it is beginning to bounce back to reveal a wine of real charm and character.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.