Château Cantemerle 1998

Château Cantemerle 1998

1.Introduction & Winery
Château Cantemerle, classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Médoc Classification, is located in the southern Haut-Médoc appellation. The estate is known for its graceful, approachable and often precocious wines, which typically have a higher proportion of Merlot than many of its more northerly neighbours in Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe. The wines often reflect a charming fruit and silky texture. The 1998 vintage falls into a phase under the then owner family SMABTP, before the estate was taken over by the insurance group Groupama in 2006.

2.Vintage rating & weather
The 1998 vintage in Bordeaux is generally rated as good to very good, with a clear difference between the left and right sides of the Gironde. On the left side (Médoc, Graves), the summer was changeable and cool until an excellent, sunny and dry September came to the rescue. This led to a late but successful ripening phase. The Merlot grapes in particular benefitedgreatly from this late season. In the best sites and with strict selection, balanced, fruit-emphasised and rather more elegant wines with good ripeness were produced, but without the power and concentration of the great vintages such as 1995, 1996 or 2000.

3. Sensory description (status: late maturity)

• Colour:Medium ruby red with already clearly developed brick-red or orange reflections on the rim - a sign of advanced maturity.

• Nose: Classic, developed nose with aromas of ripe red and blackcurrant, dried plums and a light jammy note. This is accompanied by typical tertiary flavours of cedar wood, tobacco leaf, damp earth and a discreet paprika spice (green bell pepper), which may indicate the Cabernet Sauvignon component.

• Palate: Medium-bodied and elegant, not powerful. The tannins are completely soft and integrated. The acidity is lively and carries the flavours. The flavour repeats the notes of the nose with an accentuated fruity and earthy character. The structure is lean and classic.

• Finish: Moderately long and soft, with a pleasant aftertaste of ripe fruit and fine herbs.

• Overall: A charming, fully mature and easy-drinking Haut-Médoc that shows the typical elegance and accessibility of Cantemerle. It does not offer monumental depth, but a balanced, classic and very pleasant drinking pleasure.

4.Drinking maturity & ageing potential
The 1998 Cantemerle has been fully ready to drink since the mid-2010s and is now on the plateau of its optimum drinking maturity. It should be consumed within the next 3-5 years, as its fruitiness will slowly diminish and the tertiary flavours will predominate. It does not have the structure for very long ageing. Careful decanting (20-30 minutes) before drinking is recommended to aerate the wine and retain any sediment.

5.Market position & value
Château Cantemerle is traditionally one of the most accessible of the classified growthsin terms of value for money. The 1998 is a typical example: a well-ripened, classified Bordeaux from a respectable vintage at a very reasonable price. It is not so much a speculative or collector's item, but rather a perfect "weekend" or restaurant winefor the connoisseur looking for a mature, uncomplicated classic. It is moderately priced on the secondary market and an excellent opportunity to experience a mature cru classé without a large investment.

6. Conclusion
Château Cantemerle 1998 is a classic, elegant and fully mature example of the Haut-Médoc, embodying the strengths of the vintage - its fruity ripeness and accessibility - and mitigating its weaknesses (slightly less concentration) with its charming, unpretentious style.
This wine is an excellent choice for a relaxed dinnerwith poultry, light roasts, mushroom dishes or mature cheeses. It offers the pleasure of maturity and classic Bordeaux flavours without effort or high expectations of monumental complexity. An absolutely rewarding and enjoyable experience for lovers of mature, traditional claret.

Note:Storage iscrucial at this age. Bottles that have been stored in a cool, dark place are lively and fruit-orientated. Bottles that have been exposed to temperature fluctuations or light can appear dull and exhausted.