CHÂTEAU CANTIN | Saint-Émilion Grand Cru | 2019
merlot | cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon

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Château Cantin dates back to the 17th century and is now part of the Grand Chais de France company. The vinification process is under the aegis of the legendary flying winemaker – Michel Rolland. The château itself (Cantin from latin Cantio, meaning chant or song) is located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, in one of the most renowned Grand Crus, that of Saint-Émilion, with 32 hectares of vineyards planted on hillsides rich in clay and limestone soils.

Today we are going to review a classic, ‘right bank‘ Bordeaux blend from the Saint-Émilion sub-region of the famous Bordeaux appellation – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2019 by Château Cantin. This wine is a blend of three of the most famous Bordeaux grape varieties: 80% merlot (also known locally as merlot noir), 10% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon, where merlot forms the wine’s main body and adds up-front richness, cabernet franc forms a more refined mid-palate and delivers local terroir notes, while cabernet sauvignon brings structure on the mouthfeel and enhances the wine’s color depth. The “right bank” of Bordeaux is famous for its red clay soils, that suits best the merlot grape variety, thus resulting in bold and plummy wines with a firm dominance of merlot in the blend, with some winemakers releasing 100% merlot wines. The most well-known and sought after sub-regions here are Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, famous for their moderately bold and supple red wines, with slightly softer and silky tannins. Bordeaux was in fact a source of inspiration to many of today’s most iconic red wine blends, but we digress. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, this wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barriques, from which 50% new oak. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & expressive
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine unveils with a captivating bouquet, brimming with ripe and almost dehydrated black fruit character, bringing notes of black cherry, dark plum, blackberry and aronia berry that dominate the foreground. Some nuanced hints of oak emerge in the background, adding a touch of complexity and a savory intrigue to the aromatic profile. As the wine opens up, delicate mineral undertones emerge, lending a touch of complexity to the aromatic experience. The wine’s captivating nose is both vibrant and expressive, hinting at the complexities that may unfold on the palate.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: bitter-seedy

The palate echoes the olfactory experience, revealing a core of ripe and dried black fruit flavors, complemented by nuanced hints of spice and oak. Crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the palate, ensuring balance, while the tannins, with a grippy and slightly seedy character, contribute to a firm and structured mouthfeel. A touch of warmth from the alcohol adds depth and body, while the finish lingers with a hint of bitterness from the seedy tannins. This wine presents itself as a bold and full-bodied expression, rather than being elegant or finesse-driven, and it manages to offer a quite nice reflection of the region’s terroir, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy wines with power and personality.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 5 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

In conclusion, this wine represents a bold and captivating expression of its origin, showcasing a core of ripe black fruit alongside earthy nuances and subtle oaky notes. The palate is firm and grippy, with a well-structured mouthfeel thanks to its pronounced tannins and lively acidity. While it may not be the epitome of elegance, its complexity and depth make it a compelling choice for those who enjoy wines with character and personality. This wine offers a remarkable value proposition, revealing the footprint of a genuine Bordeaux blend at an attractive price point.

//Scoring
CHÂTEAU CANTIN | Saint-Émilion Grand Cru | 2019
variety: merlot | cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon
country: France
region: Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion
rating: 93.9

//Prediction
predicted rating: 90+
actual rating: 90
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This is definitely a fine wine of France and, with a total of 93.9 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s complex and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a grilled ribeye steak with a complex spice rub. The richness of the ribeye will counter-balance the wine’s seedy tannins, while the smoky and savory notes from the BBQ and spice rub, will complement the wine’s oak-derived flavours. In the same key, the wine’s acidity will cut through the fattiness of the meat, while the ripe black fruit flavors will harmonize with the caramelized surface of the steak. This pairing offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making for a truly satisfying tasting experience. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.