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
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
