2015 Chateau Cantemerle, Les Allees de Cantemerle

ABOUT THE WINE
The Cantemerle estate has a long history in the Haut Medoc with the first mention as early as 1147 - of the Pons de Cantemerle - the estate's lord having proudly adopted Canta Merla (or blackbird's song) as his name. Mention of viticulture dates back to 1354 with the Ponset de Cantemerle recorded as paying a debt in wine, a tonneau of clairet. In the past the status of Cantemerle as an original 1855 classification wine had been erroneously questioned since it was not included in the first publication of the classification - it has in fact been included in all the listings dated after the 16th Sept. 1855.

Located in the far south of the Medoc peninsula, almost on the outskirts of Bordeaux itself, the estate has become renowned for producing complex, well-balanced and refined wines thanks in large part to this unique terroir. Today the Chateau owns 190 hectares of land with 87 hectares under production with Les Allees - their second wine - being produced mainly from the younger vines. It is however made just like its elder brother - with the same attention given to selection and quality - and possesses all the same personality as the grand vin.

TASTING NOTES
With expressive fruity and floral aromas and a mouth-filling richness harbouring tannic depth this is everything you'd expect from the 2015 vintage. Refined blackberry and dark cherry fruit is balanced with light mint, vanilla, spice and white pepper followed by a lingering smoky edge. Silky and supple, rich and aromatic, a quality claret.

FOOD PAIRING
Local favourites such as blanquette of lamb or roast poultry with ceps are highly recommended, as are less obvious choices such as creamed mushrooms in puff pastry or raw milk cheeses including Reblochon. Surprisingly the elengant nature of the wines from Cantemerle mean even river fish such as pike-perch are a good match, served with slow roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean vegetables.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
An outstanding second wine from an outstanding vintage. Although the aging potential is perhaps a little less than that of the grand vin this is a wine to drink and enjoy now and over the next few years.