Chateau Cantemerle Grand Cru Classe, 2006, Haut Medoc

Critic Score: 16.5 Points Jancis Robinson

Château Cantemerle is a Bordeaux Fifth Growth, located in the Haut-Médoc on the left bank of the Gironde river. The wine is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and is made in a structured but fruit-driven style. Château Cantemerle can be enjoyed young but can also age for a decade or more.

The estate has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, with the first mention of wines from the property coming in the 14th Century. The modern history of the château began in 1892 with Théophile-Jean Dubos' purchase of the estate, and was passed down through the family until the 1980s. Many of Cantemerle's vineyards were pulled out during the two world wars, and were replanted in the 1980s, expanding the vineyard area from 20 hectares (50 acres) to 90ha (220 acres) by 1999.

The soil in Cantemerle's vineyards is a mixture of silica and gravel. This is reasonably poor, and causes the vines to struggle, resulting in grapes with high levels of aromatic concentration. The vines, the majority of which are Cabernet Sauvignon, are on average 30 years old. A rigorous selection in the winery ensures only the best fruit is fermented, and then aged for 12-16 months in French oak, about half of which is new.

Château Cantemerle's second wine, Les Allées de Cantemerle, is produced in a more approachable style than the grand vin.