France · Bordeaux

Chateau Cantemerle

Chateau Cantemerle is the southernmost classified growth of the Médoc, a 5ème Cru Classé estate located in Macau on the Haut-Médoc appellation. Dating to the 16th century, the estate was purchased by the Champagne-Mahler-Besse family in 1981, who undertook significant investment in cellar modernisation. The wine is a classic Haut-Médoc blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Cantemerle consistently produces elegant, medium-bodied wines with more finesse than power — a style that translates to accessible pricing at auction. The flagship Chateau Cantemerle 5ème Cru Classé averages $79 per bottle across 514 auction lots, with peak prices reaching $2,032 for older verticals. The 2010 vintage — widely considered the finest of the modern era here — is the most sought-after at auction, fetching premiums well above the median. Critics have awarded top vintages including 2009 and 2016 scores in the low 90s from Wine Advocate. At this price point, Cantemerle sits as one of the better-value classified growths, making it popular with collectors seeking cellar-worthy Bordeaux without the premium of higher-ranked estates.