Cantemerle 2018 - How come critics dislike it? (Lower scored)

[thedreamed]

Personally bought a case @ $26/btl to try out, pretty cheap I would say.
Maybe "dislike" is a strong word, but surprised it isn't scored in high 80s or 90.
Cellartracker seems to like it, another thread here also seems that the community like it (although different style)
Common consensus between the critics are the drying tannins, however I don't see this "flaw" here or CT.
JS, WE and D scored it higher but personally have been more aligned with NM and AG for past wines.


Critic reviews:
85
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, March 2021
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cantemerle leaps from the glass with scents of Morello cherries, raspberry pie, fruitcake and prunes, plus hints of potpourri and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is chewy and a little tart, featuring some otherwise pleasant fruitcake flavors, finishing just a little drying and rustic. 2021 - 2028.


15.5
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2019
Darkest crimson rim with black core. Elderberry-like tangy fruit. Juicy in the middle even with the layers of dryish tannins. But the finish is rather too dry for overall harmony. Drink 2023-2028


85-87
Vinous - Neal Martin
The 2018 Cantemerle has a vivid and quite floral bouquet, pressed violets infusing the black cherry and raspberry fruit and the oak nicely integrated. It just seems to lose a bit of its initial vigor in the glass. The fresh, chewy palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and veins of greenness toward the finish.


86
Vinous - Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Cantemerle is going through a challenging time. Mid-weight structure and harsh, angular tannins are penalizing. Dark cherry, graphite, dried herb and coffee struggle to emerge, but the 2018 never really fills out.

[JimHow]

Good question, the dreamed, and welcome.
It is because of what it is NOT.
It is not an overly alcoholic Parkerized fruit bomb.
It is restrained and medium bodied, classy, not loud.
The fact that it is not popular with the so called experts is a metaphor for all that is wrong with modern wine tastes in particular and global attitudes for the loud and pretentious and the tendency to follow the crowd in general.

[greatbxfreak]

The dreamed,

You obviously forgot a famous wine critic like me!

My take on Cantemerle 2018:

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Quite a seductive nose of blackcurrants, exquisite and stylish. For me, it was a bit light on the palate and lacked some more depth and length. Still an elegant, tasty and a very likeable wine. 89-90p.

I haven't noticed when tasted any dry tannins, greenness, tart and other negatives in this wine. Greenness in 2018 vintage - it's a joke to say that.

[thedreamed]

Good question, the dreamed, and welcome.
It is because of what it is NOT.
It is not an overly alcoholic Parkerized fruit bomb.
It is restrained and medium bodied, classy, not loud.
The fact that it is not popular with the so called experts is a metaphor for all that is wrong with modern wine tastes in particular and global attitudes for the loud and pretentious and the tendency to follow the crowd in general.

Hi Jim, thanks.
Excited to try a bottle and age the rest.
Do many of these "experts", including master of wines have a Parker palate as well?
As I thought JR critics are usually pretty strict and spot on, I usually follow NM as well on Bdx.

[JimHow]

Indeed, TD, I just think it is one of those understated wines that sort of gets lost in the crowd when you're tasting numerous other wines along with it. Kind of like how Lafite doesn't always perform best in big tastings with other wines. I've had this wine three times and I loved it each time. Unfortunately it sold out pretty quickly in NH and there are basically none left. It just seems like such an aberration in that high alcohol vintage. It definitely is NOT a Jeff Leve kind of wine, although the master rated it like 90-91, I think.

[thedreamed]

The dreamed,

You obviously forgot a famous wine critic like me!

My take on Cantemerle 2018:

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Quite a seductive nose of blackcurrants, exquisite and stylish. For me, it was a bit light on the palate and lacked some more depth and length. Still an elegant, tasty and a very likeable wine. 89-90p.

I haven't noticed when tasted any dry tannins, greenness, tart and other negatives in this wine. Greenness in 2018 vintage - it's a joke to say that.

Hey Izak, it's nice to meet you.

Usually I stick to here (I wish it was more active), Wineberserkers and Winecellarinsider, but thanks for replying.

As I am addicted to Bdx, now I have more to read from your site!

[StBlGT]

I was able to pick up 3 bottles for $39 each last month. It wasn't the greatest deal, but not too bad either, IMO. I remember reading some positive reviews here on BWE, and I thought it was a good enough deal and bought them. I haven't tried any, but I am looking forward to it. It sounds like a nice wine.

[thedreamed]

Indeed, TD, I just think it is one of those understated wines that sort of gets lost in the crowd when you're tasting numerous other wines along with it. Kind of like how Lafite doesn't always perform best in big tastings with other wines. I've had this wine three times and I loved it each time. Unfortunately it sold out pretty quickly in NH and there are basically none left. It just seems like such an aberration in that high alcohol vintage. It definitely is NOT a Jeff Leve kind of wine, although the master rated it like 90-91, I think.

Great to hear.

I've stocked up on Ormes de Pez, Gloria, Lanessan, Cambon La Pelouse and a couple of GCs.

As I am kind of new to wine and since we're on the topic, I'm looking to stock up some Sociando (Although prices seem to have gone up), Poujeaux, Phelan Segur, Chasse Spleen, Senejac, La Vielle Cure for daily drinking. These are the names I most often see and of course I know La Lagune is a favourite here.

Anything else I am missing or you'd recommend?

Edit: Forgot Lilian Ladouys, was cheeky and popped a 2019, loved it.

[thedreamed]

I was able to pick up 3 bottles for $39 each last month. It wasn't the greatest deal, but not too bad either, IMO. I remember reading some positive reviews here on BWE, and I thought it was a good enough deal and bought them. I haven't tried any, but I am looking forward to it. It sounds like a nice wine.

Do give an update here

[DavidG]

Good question, the dreamed, and welcome.
It is because of what it is NOT.
It is not an overly alcoholic Parkerized fruit bomb.
It is restrained and medium bodied, classy, not loud.
The fact that it is not popular with the so called experts is a metaphor for all that is wrong with modern wine tastes in particular and global attitudes for the loud and pretentious and the tendency to follow the crowd in general.

Jim is preaching to the choir here. But for those who prefer the more elegant style and have learned to trust their own palates and tune out the critics, the low scores are a gift. They translate into lower prices.