Chateau Cantemerle, Grand Cru Classe Haut-Medoc 1996

Get to know: Château Cantemerle Grand Cru Classé, Haut-Médoc 1996

A mature Bordeaux red wine from the gravelly vineyards of the Haut-Médoc.

Tasting Note

Château Cantemerle 1996 is an elegant, fully mature claret that shows classic Left Bank character with a softer, more evolved profile. Ruby with a slightly darkened rim, it offers aromas of cassis, dried cranberry and mulberry, layered with tobacco leaf, cigar box and gentle forest-floor notes. On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux is medium-bodied and well balanced, with ripe but moderate tannins that have smoothed out beautifully over time. It finishes savoury and gently earthy, with lingering notes of leather and cedar. A well-composed example of mature Haut-Médoc red wine, offering balance and drinkability rather than sheer intensity.

Top food pairings:

• Roast beef with thyme and jus
• Duck breast with lentils or mushrooms
• Hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Cheddar

Kate Says

"This is proper grown-up Bordeaux – savoury, settled and quietly confident. Give it a bit of air and it really comes into its own with food."

Producer Info

Château Cantemerle is a historic Fifth Growth Grand Cru Classé estate in the Haut-Médoc, known for producing refined, approachable Bordeaux wines. Its gravel-rich soils favour Cabernet Sauvignon, giving structure and freshness, while the estate’s traditional yet polished style allows the wines to develop graceful tertiary character with age.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot and other Bordeaux grapes
• Harvested at full phenolic ripeness to balance fruit and structure
• Traditional fermentation with controlled extraction
• Fermented and aged with oak influence to add savoury complexity
• Extended bottle ageing before release, allowing the wine to reach maturity

Good to know:

• Region: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
• Style: Red, still, medium-bodied
• Closure: Natural cork
• Vegan: No
• ABV: 12.5%
• Vintage: 1996

Why we love it:

This mature Bordeaux red wine delivers everything fans of classic Haut-Médoc look for – savoury depth, resolved tannins and balanced Cabernet character. It’s drinking beautifully now and is a great choice for those who enjoy traditional claret with food rather than blockbuster power.