Red and black fruits, iron, leafy herbs, and a kiss of chocolate all emerge from the 2023 Château Cantemerle, a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, balanced 2023 offering ripe tannins, integrated oak, and just a complex, attractive, satisfying style.

The 2023 Cantemerle is a deep, potent wine. A blast of dark plum, blackberry, mocha, grilled herbs, gravel and lavender make a strong first impression. The aromatics and overall structure are quite appealing, although I find the tannins a touch bruising at this stage. A long, sustained finish compensates to some degrees. Tasted two times.

The 2023 Cantemerle offers up aromas of dark berries, cherries, mint and herbs, followed by a medium-bodied, round and fleshy palate that's a touch varietal in profile this year.