Wines Haut-Médoc Château Cantemerle - 2022

Château Cantemerle 2022 from the Haut-Médoc appellation is a fine representative of Bordeaux’s left bank red wines. Traditionally a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this youthful vintage offers vibrancy and structure. The 2022 vintage stands out for its combination of concentration and freshness, thanks to an ideal growing season composed of warm days and cool nights, which allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while maintaining acidity. The terroir here features well-drained gravel soils, lending elegance and finesse, along with an age-worthy tannic backbone. Vinification at Château Cantemerle follows classic Bordeaux methods, with careful extraction during fermentation and a maturation in French oak barrels that brings complexity and subtle toasted notes to the finished wine.

The Médoc, and more specifically the Haut-Médoc, is bordered by the Gironde estuary, benefiting from a temperate, oceanic climate that mitigates extreme temperatures and helps promote slow, even grape ripening. The gravelly soils are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in these conditions and forms the core of many classified growths. The history of Cantemerle traces back centuries, and the château has long been recognised for producing wines of balance, refinement, and aromatic complexity, characteristic of the region’s best.

A wine such as Château Cantemerle 2022 is a superb partner to roast lamb with garlic and thyme, a classic pairing that highlights the subtle herbal notes and firm structure. Another lovely match would be entrecôte bordelaise, served with a red wine and shallot sauce, or a selection of mature cheeses like Comté and aged Gouda. More casual yet authentic, a duck confit or mushroom-based dishes would also echo the earthy undertones of the wine.

For optimal enjoyment, decanting the wine for about an hour will help it open up, softening initial tannins and revealing the full aromatic palette. Serve slightly cool, at around 16-18°C, to bring out both its fruit and freshness. This wine will evolve beautifully over the next decade, gaining in complexity if you prefer to cellar it.