90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Well, it had to happen sooner or later: WineHeist has sourced wine from outside the US. While we at WineHeist are, and due to our location in the heart of Sonoma County probably always will be, primarily focused on the wines of California, we are constantly looking for high quality wines that we can offer at significant savings, no matter where they are from. When we were presented with the opportunity to snag the last of the 2005 Chateau Cantinot and offer it at a great discount, we jumped at the chance.
Chateau Cantinot is located the Premieres Cotes de Blaye, in what is considered the finest sub-region of the fairly large Blaye region on the East, or Right Bank of Bordeaux. Blaye features clay soils similar to those found further south in St. Emilion, making it an ideal region for Merlot, and suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc as well. The vintage in 2005 was, of course, legendary in Bordeaux for the number and variety of brilliant wines that were produced, making it an ideal vintage for lesser-known regions like the Cotes de Blaye.
The 2005 Ch. Cantinot is a fairly typical blend for this region of 55% Merlot, 35% Cab Sauvignon, and 10% Cab Franc. Dark cherry in color, with a purple core, the nose shows classic Merlot plum and blackberry, along with cigar, black cherry, anise, and eucalyptus. The palate is rich and full bodied, with black cherry, blueberry, mint, and just a hint of bell pepper. This wine definitely has the balance you expect from a French wine, but is surprisingly lush and ripe, making it a nice change of pace yet still suitable for those who prefer California’s more fruit-driven wines. This seems to be in its prime now, but should hold on for many years to come, and may evolve more nuance with some time in the cellar. Don’t miss out on the chance to add some Bordeaux from the outstanding 2005 vintage to your collection!
Vintage: 2005
Varietals: Merlot 55%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 10%
Appellation: Premiere Cotes de Blaye, France
You may also like:
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
92 Points
Ruby in color, with oaky aromas of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis notes that are laced with hints of licorice root, sweet bay and loam. Its encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
