Cantemerle 05 and Du Tertre 06

[Julian_Marshall]

Cheers all - well after wrapping up Christmas stocking presents, back to wine…!

Hopefully it was too early for the Cantemerle 05, but it certainly didn’t taste very promising. It reminded me of a comment made eons ago on Ebob, when the 05s came out, by I think Drew Skroback (hope I remembered the spelling), who wondering about all the hype, questioned whether or not there would be any fruit left by the time the tannins had quietened down (or something along those lines). Judging by the bricking on the rim, this could be one of those. We shall see.

Guilty as charged, Julien. Whatever the tannin long term risk, I would not even think of popping the 05 (or 08) Cantemerle for five years or so. I have not had any 05s where I thought they were ready to go, even at a lower level, so I am keeping them in cold storage. I just don’t see the point in opening them right now.

I’ve got an '89 and an '83 Cantemerle in my rotation this month. The 83 was lovely about 6 months ago.

BTW, I’ve really enjoyed a few 02s of late. Not a great vintage by any stretch, but they are beginning to do whatever they can. I’m no longer a present day fan of Pape Clements, but the 02 was not too spoofy and really rather pleasant the other night.

Ha ha! I knew it! I remember well the kerfuffle on Ebob when the 05s came out EP. It was weird. The prices were higher than ever before, so a lot of people, myself included I admit, were a bit miffed. Instead of at least commiserating, RMP cut a Nero-like figure, happily fanning the flames of speculation, aided and abetted by a self-appointed acolyte and “expert”, who had the gall to post his own list of must-have wines with the warning that we had all better buy now, before the prices spiraled higher. Although subsequent vintages have indeed “achieved” higher prices along with their often higher alcohol levels, 2005 EP didn’t look quite such a good buy after the 2008 crisis. Quelle surprise.
Anyway, amid all the hot air at the time, your comment resonated like a rare voice of reason, which is why I remembered it. So cheers and well done!

Quite agree about 2002 - another underrated and misunderstood vintage.

[BobH]

Cantemerle certainly delivers in off years, or at least it did until the late 90s - the 93 was very enjoyable for instance. I wonder whether or not the change towards more concentration and power really suits it, but that could just be my taste - time will tell.

I won’t call 2014 an Off Year, but others will. The 2014 Cantemerle was the wine that opened my eyes to the beauty the vintage.

Same exact experience, Brian. I tried that wine, and instantly said 2014 was the bomb, and exactly what I have been looking for in a Bordeaux vintage. I imagine that 1985 Bordeauxs tasted similar at release and 85 is a vintage that I really love a lot as well.

[A_S_K_R_O_B_A_C_K]

Quite agree about 2002 - another underrated and misunderstood vintage.

My string of B+ 2002s (Pape Clement, being a surprise standout) unfortunately ended last night with a very disappointing and hollow Leoville Poyferre. C+ at best. Ah, well.

[Julian_Marshall]

Quite agree about 2002 - another underrated and misunderstood vintage.

My string of B+ 2002s (Pape Clement, being a surprise standout) unfortunately ended last night with a very disappointing and hollow Leoville Poyferre. C+ at best. Ah, well.

Yes, sadly LP was not a winner in 02, unlike Léoville Barton, which is odd. I felt the same way about Lynch Bages, but they’re exceptions to the rule.

[A_S_K_R_O_B_A_C_K]

I had the 2000 Cantemerle this evening. Just a lovely Claret. Clearly Left bank. Clearly understated. Still young but in its beginning window. No rush at all. 90 points.