2023 Clos Cantenac, St Emilion, Bordeaux

100% Merlot. Cask sample.

Juicy, fresh and harmonious, fine tannins framing the wine. Less weight than last year but balanced and not overstated. 

Drink 2028 - 2035

The 2023 Clos Cantenac, 100% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. It gallops out with energetic notions of black raspberries, kirsch, and fresh blackberries followed by hints of garrigue, mossy tree bark, and anise. The medium-bodied palate has a solid frame of lively acidity and rounded tannins supporting the youthful, vibrant black and red berry layers, finishing with a peppery lift.

Drink 2028 - 2042

The 2023 Clos Cantenac is 100% Merlot this year. A Cube destemmer was used for the first time to eliminate any berries affected by mildew earlier in the year. It underwent a slightly longer maceration and was matured in 45% new oak. The 2023 has an impactful bouquet with red berry fruit, violet and iris flower, touches of incense emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry, moderate depth and a keen line of acidity that keeps this on its toes. A deft touch of spice emerges toward the finish. I'd give this fine Saint-Émilion two or three years in bottle just to mellow those tannins.

Drink 2028 - 2039

Beautifully expressive aromatics, and a classical, juicy and balanced wine. Exceptionally good quality, bitter coffee bean and fennel balanced with superbly juicy and taut ripe raspberry and strawberry fruit. 45% new oak, harvest September 13 to 26. William Hancock from Trinity Hill working across the estates making this a super fun vintage to buy for those who like to select wines with stories behind them.

Drink 2028 - 2040