Viniou Reviews
Les Allées de Cantemerle 2016 is the second wine of Château Cantemerle, a prestigious estate located within the Haut-Médoc appellation on Bordeaux’s famed Left Bank. As is traditional in the Médoc, the blend is largely composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often complemented by small proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2016 vintage was renowned for near-ideal weather conditions, with a rainy spring followed by an exceptional, sunny summer and a long, dry autumn – a combination that allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly, lending the wine structure, concentration, and balance. Vinification at Cantemerle remains focused on gentle extraction and oak ageing, bestowing the wine with supple tannins and elegant complexity. Les Allées de Cantemerle displays a deep ruby colour, with aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, violet and delicate hints of cedar and graphite. The palate is fresh yet generous, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent finish offering notes of dark fruit and spices.
The Haut-Médoc is a storied region with centuries of winemaking ancestry. Its diverse, gravelly soils are particularly favourable for Cabernet Sauvignon, imparting power and refinement alongside the richness brought by Merlot. The temperate maritime climate, aided by the nearby Gironde estuary, protects the vineyards from temperature extremes and provides ideal growing conditions. Over time, this combination of terroir and tradition has produced wines that are stylistically elegant, structured, and immensely ageworthy – characteristics found in Les Allées de Cantemerle.
Classic pairings for this claret-inspired Haut-Médoc include roast lamb with herbs, grilled duck breast, or entrecôte Bordelaise – a local steak dish accompanied by a rich red wine and shallot sauce. The wine’s structure also complements mushroom risotto, mild blue cheeses, or even earthy vegetable tarts. For a traditional touch, consider serving with Pauillac lamb, a local delicacy prized for its delicate flavour.
For optimal enjoyment, decant Les Allées de Cantemerle 2016 for at least 30-45 minutes to allow the bouquet to open and the tannins to soften. Serve at 16-18°C to best reveal its layered aromatics, silkiness, and elegant balance. The wine is delicious to drink now but will continue to develop gracefully for another five to seven years.
