2020 Clos Cantenac, St Emilion, Bordeaux
- Red
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Julia Harding MW
- 16.5/20
- Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
- 90-92/100
- Neal Martin
- 91/100
- Jane Anson
- 93/100
- Jane Anson
- 93/100
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Description
100% Merlot
Martin Krajewski has been here since 2006. As at sister property Ch. Séraphine, there has been a serious level of well-targeted investment. Although on the lower regions of St Emilion, there is a gentle north/south slope to the vineyard, and some interesting components to the soil: both clay and limestone in different sections, as well as gravels and sand. The ’20 is intense, delivered by a bouquet that is initially shy before wisps of raspberry and rich earth escape. The wine is not afraid to show its oak influence either, although this will also be affected by how the sample was prepared. Nevertheless, this is a wine that is maximising all its assets and doing so with considerable skill.
Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Director, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Critics reviews
100% Merlot. One-day cold soak. Part fermented in oak Intégrale barrels). Aged in 40% new oak.
Black with a purple rim. Intense, spiced, rich black fruits, cassis, and the more typically sweeter plum of Merlot. A hint of torrefaction, presumably from the oak. Dry, dark, and savoury on the palate, and even with this level of alcohol, there’s a lovely dark, savoury restraint to compensate for the lack of fruit sweetness—but not a lack of fruit. Long, with fine-boned but still slightly thick tannins. A bit of heat at the back of the throat.
Drink 2027 - 2037
8,000 bottles are due to be made.
The 2020 Clos Cantenac is made from 100% Merlot. It has 14.5% alcohol and is aging in barriques, 40% new, for 12 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with compelling notes of plum preserves, boysenberries and blueberry compote, plus wafts of underbrush, red roses and Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with juicy black fruits, supported by soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery lift.
Drink 2024 - 2038
The 2020 Clos Cantenac has an intense nose with blackberry and blueberry notes, and that camphor scent remains tangible. The palate is simple but offers attractive pencil lead touches that impart complexity and personality. One could argue that it's a bit dishevelled on the finish, where you would seek more precision. Otherwise, this is a commendable Saint-Émilion that should be granted three to four years in bottle. It punches just a notch above expectations.
Drink 2025 - 2035
Deep plum in colour, concentrated fruit as with so many this vintage. An excellently consistent St-Emilion that is now in the skilled winemaking hands of Charlotte Krajewski. This puts the emphasis clearly on coffee grounds, lightly grilled oak and bitter chocolate that is well balanced by intense cassis and blueberry fruits. Compact tannins, a little more austere than you will find in this winemaker's Pomerol Château Seraphine. This is concentrated, with a stretched out lingering finish. 40% new oak. Could go up in score during the in-bottle tasting.
Drink 2025 - 2038
40% new oak
Winemaker Charlotte Krajewski delivers an enjoyably sappy, bright Clos Cantenac here, with vivid blueberry and raspberry fruits. Firm tannins, still a little austere at this early stage, are softened by grilled sandalwood oak and bitter chocolate—deep plum in colour. This is an excellent wine in the vintage, one to look out for.
Drink 2024 - 2038
About this wine
