Château Cantelys is a wine estate located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, in the commune of Martillac. Since 1994, it was owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who also own the prestigious Château Smith Haut-Lafitte, listed in the 1959 Graves classification. As the Cantelys estate does not actually have a château, under the Cathiard’s stewardship the wines were made at Smith Haut Lafitte, a mere 2km away, under the watchful eye of technical director Fabien Teitgen.

Château Cantelys covers a 40-hectare contiguous estate, half of which is dedicated to vines. 5 hectares are dedicated to white wines (45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Sémillon, and 10% Sauvignon Gris) and 15 hectares to red wines (45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc). A rosé wine is also produced in some years, by bleeding the red wines.

The terroir is that of the appellation, with well-drained gravel where wine has been produced for centuries. The remaining 20 hectares of the estate are not classified as AOC but have the necessary qualities to be so, which may herald future clearing. More broadly, the Cathiards are continuing to develop the estate and are instilling a quality policy both in the vines and during winemaking and aging. (Note: in 2022 the estate was sold to the Helfrich family, who vow to continue the Cathiards legacy in Cantelys)

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.

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!