By Chateau Cantelys
2016 Pessac-Leognan

Producer Notes
Chateau Cantelys, located in the commune of Martillac in the Pessac-Leognan appellation, was created in the 1980s by Dominique Lurton. Located near Chateau Rochemorin, Lafont-Menaut, and two kilometers from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, it covers 20 hectares of predominantly gravelly soil. Owned by the Cathiard family since the early 90's, it is now managed by the Helfrich family - owners and winegrowers in France, Spain, and Chile. Continuing the project initiated by Florence and Daniel Cathiard, the Helfrich family will build on the work done by their predecessors at this beautiful Pessac-Leognan property.

Vineyard Details
Grape Varieties: 53% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Pessac-Leognan
Surface Area: 20 hectares
Production Area: 18 hectares
Average Vine Age: 24 years
Terroir: Sandy-gravel
Vineyard Management: Traditional (ploughing, selected grassing), sustainable agriculture, vine operations (de-budding, leaf-removal).
Owner: Cathiard family
Agricultural Holder: Helfrich family
Technical Manager: Benoit de Malleray

Vinification Notes
Hand-picked in crates, carefully double-sorted at reception. Whole-berry vinification (no crushing) in vats, combined with pumping-over and punching-down. Maceration for three to four weeks at 26 to 28 degrees C. Aged 14 months in barrels.

Technical Details
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
Alcohol: 13.50%

Tasting Notes
The wine is dark red, very dense, and profound. The aromatic expression of this wine is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon aromas, featuring red fruits, spices (star anise, aniseed), notes of dried herbs, and blond tobacco. The palate exhibits a beautiful balance between a substantial tannic structure and good concentration, offering a pleasing volume. A remarkable complexity is notably influenced by its Graves terroir!
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]

Chateau Cantelys, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2016
Tasted By: Andy Howard MW, Robert Mathias, Tim Triptree MW
Part of Red Graves 2016: panel tasting results
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035
Points: 95
Producer: Chateau Cantelys
Vintage: 2016
Wine Type: Still 
Colour: Red
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Pessac-Leognan
Sweetness: Dry
Closure: Cork
Grapes: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
This 20ha estate has been owned since 1994 by Florence and Daniel Cathiard, who also own Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Today, its [...] reds are planted [...] on mostly gravel soils [...]. Grapes are handpicked and sorted twice, whole-berry fermented in large oak vats before ageing 14 months in [...] French oak barrels. Andy Howard MW: Damson and cherry dominate the nose. Fleshy palate, bright acidity and some firm but ripe tannins. Hint of bitterness on the finish, but this adds to the feeling of freshness. Long, lingering, a classy Pessac. Robert Mathias: Nose is closed but has lots of detail: clove, anise, cedar and coffee. Great concentration, firm and fine-grained tannin. Energy with a spicy liquorice and black pepper finish. Tim Triptree MW: Rich and complex aromatics, great fruit intensity with [well-integrated] oak. Generous ripe plum, red and black cherry, with fine tannins and persistence.

Chateau Cantelys Pessac-Leognan 2016
Score: 92
Wine Type and Color: Red Still
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Drinkability: Drink now through 2031
Primary Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Issue: January 31, 2019 - Online Only Review
Region: France / Bordeaux / Pessac-Leognan
Lush in feel, with lovely boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit notes that glide through atop a velvety structure, while licorice snap and warm Christmas pudding details fill in. A flash of apple wood adds some lift on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2031.

2016 Cantelys
Producer: Cantelys
Place of Origin: France, Pessac Leognan, Graves, Bordeaux
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Rating: 91
Drinking Window: 2019 - 2026
From: 2016 Bordeaux…It’s All In The Bottle (Jan 2019)
The 2016 Cantelys is lovely. Pretty hints of spice and leather add aromatic nuance to the juicy dark cherry and plum fruit. Soft contours, silky tannins and a mid-weight structure make for a delightful easygoing wine to drink now and over the next few years. The 2016 spent 14 months in French oak [...]. This is very nicely done.
By: Antonio Galloni on December 2018

Chateau Cantelys 2016 Barrel Sample (Pessac-Leognan)
From: Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Rating: 91
Winery: Chateau Cantelys
Region: Bordeaux
Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Wine Type: Red
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Issue Date: 4/1/2017
90-92. Barrel Sample. This is a juicy wine based on firm, dry tannins. It is packed with black currant fruit, tight tannins and a crisp acidity in the aftertaste.
Reviewed By: Roger Voss

Chateau Cantelys Pessac-Leognan 2016
Tuesday, Jan 22, 2019
Score: 90
Color: Red
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Vintage: 2016
A soft and fruity red with blackberry and cherry character. Round tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious and refined. Drink or hold.

2016 Chateau Cantelys (Pessac-Leognan)
Points: 89
Medium bodied with smoky, black raspberries and plum create the character of the wine. Forward in style, easy to drink and should offer pleasure on release.
Tasted Apr 29, 2017

2016 Chateau Cantelys
Producer: Chateau Cantelys
Location: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan
Color: Red
Rating: 88
Tasting Date: 2/28/2019
Maturity: 2019 - 2029
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Source: Bordeaux 2016: Firing On All Cylinders
The 2016 Chateau Cantelys (70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot) is an impressive Graves that gives up loads of tobacco and earthy dark fruits, medium body, ripe tannins, and a balanced, layered texture. It has plenty of charm and will drink well for over a decade.

2016 Cantelys
Rating: (85-87)
Producer: Cantelys
Wine Region: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan
Variety: Proprietary blend
Color / Type / Sweetness: Red / Table / Dry
Reviewed By: Neal Martin
Drink Date: 2019 - 2025
The 2016 Cantelys is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This comes from gravel soils that stressed the vines here and that showed in the barrel sample. It has a pleasant and fresh bouquet of brambly black fruit, fresh mint and a touch of bay leaf that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a little chewiness on the entry, perhaps a touch more muscular than I expected, with an austere and slightly distant finish. I would be seeking a little more finesse once this is in bottle, and for me, I think this is more suitable for early drinking.
Published: Apr 28, 2017