The 1988 Cantemerle possesses adequate hard, dry tannins, but unlike many Medocs, there is sufficient fruit. The classy bouquet of black fruits, minerals, and spices is hard to resist. Medium-bodied and elegant, with plummy, mineral, and herb flavors, this stylish wine should be at its best between now and the end of the century.

This wine shows a dark plum/garnet color and a moderately intense nose of tobacco and weedy red as well as black currants. This medium-bodied wine shows some sharp tannins in the finish and seems to be close to full maturity. A straightforward, pleasant, but generally undistinguished effort. Anticipated maturity: Now-2006. Last tasted, 11/00.