Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc (Bordeaux, France) 2010

Château Cantemerle, a property included as a 5th growth in the famed 1855 Médoc Classification, is always a great value.  In a stellar year, such as 2010, it’s even a better buy.  The vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (40%) with the remaining acreage divided evenly between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  Since the blend usually reflects what’s planted, the fleshiness of the 2010 may represent the high proportion of Merlot and Petit Verdot.  A vivid freshness, a welcome characteristic of the 2010 vintage, balances its lush ripeness.  With time in the glass, a haunting, dense minerality appears in this suave, beautifully textured wine.  Easy to enjoy now, it will, like many grand Bordeaux, “close up” in the next couple of years, so pop the cork soon or plan to cellar it for a decade.