2005 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc (1.5L)

This 2005 is really coming into its own, with soft, welcoming rose bud, chalk, bilberry, cocoa bean and tobacco. The tannins remain well structured, and you can see the muscles that kept this pretty closed for the first decade. Ready to drink, but it will continue to soften further over the next few years before fully reaching its drinking window. Philippe Dambrine estate director (arrived 1993). Eric Boissenot's first vintage as consultant, replacing Georges Pauli. 50% new oak for ageing, light fining but no filtration before bottling. Suggest a good three hours in a carafe before drinking.

Cantemerle has been one of K&L's most beloved Bordeaux estates for decades, a perennial best seller that has earned an enormous following for delivering remarkable quality and value year after year. Few properties have been as consistently successful with our customers, and it's an absolute joy to have the legendary 2005 vintage available in magnum for the holiday season. 2005 is one of the truly great modern vintages in Bordeaux, and Cantemerle captured its character beautifully. Now with two decades of age, this wine is drinking wonderfully, showing the depth, refinement, and complexity that make mature Bordeaux such a pleasure. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, cedar, and tobacco lead to a beautifully composed palate, with supple, fully integrated tannins, lovely freshness, and a long, savory finish. It hits all the right notes, with the richness of a great vintage and the elegance that has always defined Cantemerle. And in magnum, there's even more to celebrate. Whether destined for the holiday table, a special gathering, or a collector's cellar, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy one of our all-time favorite Bordeaux estates in one of its finest vintages, with the added appeal of large format and two decades of graceful evolution. A tremendous find and a wine I'm delighted to have back at K&L.