Chateau Brane Cantenac Margaux, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Chateau brane cantenac

Learn everything about Chateau Brane Cantenac Margaux Second Growth with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, the history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Brane Cantenac History, Overview

What we know of today as Chateau Brane Cantenac started out in the early 17th century. At the time, the small estate was known as Domaine Guilhem Hosten. Even in those days, wine was produced from the property. The vineyards and estate were developed by the owner in the late 1700s, the Gorce family.

In fact, even back then, their wine was so highly regarded, it was one of the more expensive wines in all of Bordeaux selling for almost as much money as Brane Mouton. This is interesting because of who went on to buy the vineyard in the 1800s.

The Baron of Brane, also known as “Napoleon of the Vineyards”, purchased the chateau in 1833. At the time of the sale, the estate was called Chateau Gorce-Guy. To obtain the funds needed to purchase the vineyard, the Baron sold what is now called Chateau Mouton Rothschild, which was at the time of the sale was known as Chateau Brane-Mouton.

In 1838, the Baron renamed the property, merging his name with the name of the sector where the vineyards were located, calling it Chateau Brane Cantenac. The chateau later passed to the Roy family, who were well-known in the Margaux appellation in those days, as they owned Chateau dIssan as well.

Jumping into the next century, in 1920, the Societe des Grands Crus de France, a group of merchants and growers that owned several chateaux located in the Medoc including; Chateau Margaux, Chateau Giscours, and Chateau Lagrange in St. Julien, purchased Chateau Brane Cantenac.

Chateau Brane Cantenac The Modern Era

Five years later, M. Recapet and his son-in-law, François Lurton, took over Brane Cantenac along with Chateau Margaux. Lucien Lurton (the son of François Lurton) inherited Brane Cantenac in 1956. Today, the estate is still in the hands of the Lurton family. Brane Cantenac is currently owned and more than ably managed by the capable, Henri Lurton.

After being given the responsibility of managing Brane Cantenac, it was under the direction of Henri Lurton that large portions of the vineyard were replanted. Vine densities were increased, the drainage systems were improved and the plantings were also, slowly changed to their current plantings.

Chateau Brane Cantenac took time to excel. But starting with the 2009 vintage, every year has seen vast improvements in character and quality. 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020 are, however, the best wines produced in the long history of the estate.

Chateau Brane Cantenac Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 75-hectare vineyard of Brane Cantenac is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and .5% Carmenere. Carmenere was used for the first time in the 2011 vintage. The Petit Verdot was planted in 2008. 2017 is the first vintage where Petit Verdot was added to the blend.

The 75 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Brane Cantenac is essentially unchanged since it earned Second Growth status in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc. The entire vineyard can be divided into 120 separate parcels.

At least that is the case with the 45 hectares used to produce the Grand Vin of Brane Cantenac. Those 45 hectares are planted close to, and surrounding the chateau. Those vines are located just in front of the Cantenac plateau and are the best terroir that Brane Cantenac owns.

At its peak, the vineyard has an elevation of 22 meters. That parcel is the heart and soul of their wine. Not just for the elevations, but for the depth of the gravel which can be as deep as 12 meters.

They have other parcels, which are further inland. But much of those grapes are placed into their second wine. Those additional hectares can be divided into 3 main sections.

Behind the chateau, they have 15 hectares of vines on gravel and sandy soils. They have 10 hectares across the road with sand, gravel, and iron and a 13-hectare parcel with gravelly clay called Notton, which is used for their second wine. More than vineyards, the property maintains beautifully, manicured gardens and verdant parkland.

Chateau Brane Cantenac Lurton

The vineyard is planted to a vine density that ranges from 6,666 vines per hectare on the plateau and up to 8,000 vines per hectare for the vines located behind the chateau, in their sandier soils.

The higher levels of vine density are always found in the newer plantings. The terroir of Brane Cantenac consists of deep gravel, sand, and clay soil. On-going experiments in the vineyards are currently looking at becoming more organic in their vineyard management.

Today, more than 20% of Brane Cantenac is farmed using organic farming techniques. It is expected that over time, the number of hectares farmed with organic methods will be increased. 4 of those hectares are farmed using biodynamic techniques as well.

Brane Cantenac has gone through 2 relatively recent modernization’s in 1999, when they added began adding the first of their smaller vats to allow for a parcel by parcel vinification and then again in 2015 when they completed a much more complete renovation of their cellars and vat rooms.

While Brane Cantenac is a traditional producer, they are no stranger to technology as they were one of the first estates to embrace optical sorting technology. In very wet vintages, they can also use reverse osmosis.

Brane Cantenac White Wine

3 hectares of vines they own in the Haut Medoc appellation are planted to white Bordeaux wine varietals due to the cooler terroir in that part of the appellation. The soils are gravelly clay. The vines are planted to 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. 2019 was the first vintage the wine was produced.

The best vintages of Chateau Brane Cantenac are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 and 2000. Although, I did enjoy a sublime bottle of 1928! So, older vintages could be worth taking a chance on, as the wines age well. The wines to buy are clearly the more recent vintages, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 which are all the best vintages wine ever produced here!

Chateau Brane Cantenac Winemaking

To produce the wine of Chateau Brane Cantenac, the wine is vinified in a combination of temperature-controlled, traditional, 22 oak vats, 18 concrete tanks, and 20 stainless steel vats that vary in size from 40 hectoliters all the way up to 200 hectoliters, which allows for a parcel by parcel vinification.

40% of the fermentation takes place in the oak vats. The remainder is done in stainless steel and concrete. The oldest vines are vinified in the oak vats that are selected to allow for separate parcel by parcel vinification.

The younger vines are vinified more often together in the same vats. However, the Carmenere and Petit Verdot are entirely micro-vinified, meaning that those grapes are completely vinified in their own French oak barrels, using micro-vinification techniques.

This takes place with the Carmenere and Petit Verdot because the amount of grapes produced is so small. Some vats can of Brane Cantenac be co-inoculated, meaning they go through alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation simultaneously.

At Chateau Brane Cantenac, malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of French oak tanks and barrels. The majority of the Grand Vin goes through malolactic in barrel. The wine of Brane Cantenac is aged in an average of 60% new, French oak barrels for 17 months before bottling. The initial 2 months of aging are done with the wine on its lees, which adds more depth to the wine.

There is a second wine, Le Baron de Brane. The use of a second wine at Brane Cantenac is not new. In fact, previously, the second wine went under the name of Chateau Notton, which took its name from one of the main parcels where the grapes were planted. There is a third wine, Margaux de Brane, which is usually Merlot dominated and is made from the estates’ youngest vines.

During the late 1950s and into the 1960s, having a second wine was important as the estate declassified 3 vintages, due to extremely poor, weather conditions, 1956, 1960, and 1963. Production of Chateau Brane Cantenac is about 11,000 cases per year.

When to Drink Chateau Brane Cantenac, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Brane Cantenac, due to its elegant, feminine style, can be enjoyed young, with decanting. But you are missing all the nuances that come with age. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 2-3 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Brane Cantenac is usually better with at least 10 years of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Brane Cantenac offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 12-35 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Brane Cantenac with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Brane Cantenac is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Brane Cantenac is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Brane Cantenac is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

Chateau Brane Cantenac is an elegantly, styled Margaux, that is on the lighter, fresher, cleaner, brighter, and perhaps, slightly stern, or classic side of the style range. Especially in its youth. The wine is produced in a traditional style and shows a little more in the aromatics than the body.

The wine of Brane Cantenac has had, like many chateaus, gone through its ups and downs.

Vintages made in the 1970s, most of the 1980s and 1990’s, are not at the level the vineyard is capable of producing. However, the property has been showing serious improvements in its wine.

Many of the best vintages for Brane Cantenac are relatively recent. In fact, while 2009 and 2010 are both quite strong vintages, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 represent the finest wine I’ve tasted from Brane Cantenac. It is a truly, stunning wine!

In 2015, Henri Lurton started a new project in Ensenada Mexico, in the Guadalupe region. Henri Lurton is managing the winery with the help of his oldest sons, Vincent Lurton, Nicolas Lurton and Maria Martinez, who was previously at Brane Cantenac.

The wines are sold under the name of Bodegas Henri Lurton. They are producing 4 different wines at the moment. 2015 was their debut vintage.

www.brane-cantenac.com

Château Brane-Cantenac Wine Tasting Notes

55 Vintages 474,419 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
97
Deeply colored, the wine opens with violets, lilacs, roses, cigar wrappers, creme de cassis, spice and lavender aromatics in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet. There is a beautiful elegance, symmetry, and balance you notice as soon as the wine graces your palate. There is length, purity, and refinement making this effortless to taste. The finish has no edges, leaving you with a wealth of sensuous fruits. Fans of Brane Cantenac should run, not walk, and buy this gem as prices continue to remain reasonable for a wine of this character, and quality. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 1% of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. The wine is 14.3% ABV, 3.61 pH. The harvest took place September 7 - October 4, with the Carmenere being picked October 10. This is the earliest start to a harvest in the history of the estate. Yields were 31.5% hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from only 42% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2055. 96-98 Pts.

Deeply colored, the wine opens with violets, lilacs, roses, cigar wrappers, creme de cassis, spice and lavender aromatics in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet. There is a beautiful elegance, symmetry, and balance you notice as soon as the wine graces your palate. There is length, purity, and refinement making this effortless to taste. The finish has no edges, leaving you with a wealth of sensuous fruits. Fans of Brane Cantenac should run, not walk, and buy this gem as prices continue to remain reasonable for a wine of this character, and quality. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 1% of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. The wine is 14.3% ABV, 3.61 pH. The harvest took place September 7 - October 4, with the Carmenere being picked October 10. This is the earliest start to a harvest in the history of the estate. Yields were 31.5% hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from only 42% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2055. 96-98 Pts.

5,529 Views   Tasted
2022
92
Flowers, cherries, spice and licorice aromas are easy to find. On the palate, the wine is elegant fresh, soft, and supple, with a nice sweetness to the fruits and a refined texture in the finish. This baby Brane is perfect to enjoy on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2025-2037. 91-93 Pts.

Flowers, cherries, spice and licorice aromas are easy to find. On the palate, the wine is elegant fresh, soft, and supple, with a nice sweetness to the fruits and a refined texture in the finish. This baby Brane is perfect to enjoy on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2025-2037. 91-93 Pts.

3,480 Views   Tasted
2021
95
With a bit of oak that still needs integrate in the nose, the perfume quickly moves to roses, tobacco leaf, cherries, black currants, incense and a background note of orange rind. On the palate, soft, fresh, elegant and refined, with layers of sweet, ripe, red fruits that taste as good as they feel. This is an incredible success for the vintage. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere. Drink from 2026-2050.

With a bit of oak that still needs integrate in the nose, the perfume quickly moves to roses, tobacco leaf, cherries, black currants, incense and a background note of orange rind. On the palate, soft, fresh, elegant and refined, with layers of sweet, ripe, red fruits that taste as good as they feel. This is an incredible success for the vintage. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere. Drink from 2026-2050.

264 Views   Tasted
Tobacco, roses, currants and bouquet garni kick off the perfume. The wine is soft, fresh, medium-bodied, and quite charming, as well as vibrant, finishing with a touch of spice on top of all the sweet red fruits you find on the backend. You will be able to enjoy this on release. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere 12.7% ABV. The harvest took place September 23-October 7. Drink from 2023-2050 93-95

Tobacco, roses, currants and bouquet garni kick off the perfume. The wine is soft, fresh, medium-bodied, and quite charming, as well as vibrant, finishing with a touch of spice on top of all the sweet red fruits you find on the backend. You will be able to enjoy this on release. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere 12.7% ABV. The harvest took place September 23-October 7. Drink from 2023-2050 93-95

2,852 Views   Tasted
2021
93
Only the second vintage for this white from Brane Cantenac, the wine comes on strong with its notes of pineapple, flowers, green apples, pears, spice and orange rind. Fresh, and creamy as well as vibrant and fruity, the wine leaves you with a nice blend of lemons, pineapples, green apples and white peach. Drink from 2024-2030.

Only the second vintage for this white from Brane Cantenac, the wine comes on strong with its notes of pineapple, flowers, green apples, pears, spice and orange rind. Fresh, and creamy as well as vibrant and fruity, the wine leaves you with a nice blend of lemons, pineapples, green apples and white peach. Drink from 2024-2030.

87 Views   Tasted
Light yellow in color, the wine opens with pineapple, mango, green apple and flowers. Fresh, juicy, vibrant and focused on its yellow citrus, with just a dollop of honey on the palate, the wine ends with an invigorating, lemon méringue note. The wine blends 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon. Drink from 2023-2027 92-92

Light yellow in color, the wine opens with pineapple, mango, green apple and flowers. Fresh, juicy, vibrant and focused on its yellow citrus, with just a dollop of honey on the palate, the wine ends with an invigorating, lemon méringue note. The wine blends 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon. Drink from 2023-2027 92-92

1,168 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Black raspberries, red currants, spice, cherries and dried roses pop in the aromatics. Medium-bodied, fresh, silky-textured and forward, with a core of ripe red plums and and cherries, this is good-to-go on release, while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2024-2032.

Black raspberries, red currants, spice, cherries and dried roses pop in the aromatics. Medium-bodied, fresh, silky-textured and forward, with a core of ripe red plums and and cherries, this is good-to-go on release, while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2024-2032.

104 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Quite orange in nature with oranges, mango and tangerine at its core, the wine is sweet, vibrant and fruity, with lift and energy. This is a good example of a baby Brane Cantenac Blanc. Drink from 2024-2028.

Quite orange in nature with oranges, mango and tangerine at its core, the wine is sweet, vibrant and fruity, with lift and energy. This is a good example of a baby Brane Cantenac Blanc. Drink from 2024-2028.

85 Views   Tasted
2021
89
Flowers and black currants are found in the nose of this early, drinking, ready-to-go, forward, medium-bodied, lightly fruited, easy to like charmer. Drink from 2023-2030. 88-90

Flowers and black currants are found in the nose of this early, drinking, ready-to-go, forward, medium-bodied, lightly fruited, easy to like charmer. Drink from 2023-2030. 88-90

2,250 Views   Tasted
2021
87
Roses, cherries and wet earth aromatics appear in the perfume. Soft, elegant and fresh, with a nice core of ripe, red currants and cherries, this is perfect for ordering in a bistro or cafe for its freshness and drinkability. This is the new 3rd wine from Brane Cantenac. Drink from 2024-2029.

Roses, cherries and wet earth aromatics appear in the perfume. Soft, elegant and fresh, with a nice core of ripe, red currants and cherries, this is perfect for ordering in a bistro or cafe for its freshness and drinkability. This is the new 3rd wine from Brane Cantenac. Drink from 2024-2029.

301 Views   Tasted
2020
97
With pungent notes of flowers, tobacco leaf, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, smoke, and wet earthy nuances, the perfume is in full force. The fruits on the palate offer purity, elegance, lift, and silky tannins, which is a good thing, because you want as much of these gorgeous, sweet, pure, red fruits as possible. The velvet and silk finish is a treat to taste and experience. This is another stellar vintage for Brane Cantenac, an estate that has been on a non-stop roll. This is a wow wine that fans of the estate should run, not walk, and buy as for now, prices are still more than reasonable. Drink from 2025-2055.

With pungent notes of flowers, tobacco leaf, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, smoke, and wet earthy nuances, the perfume is in full force. The fruits on the palate offer purity, elegance, lift, and silky tannins, which is a good thing, because you want as much of these gorgeous, sweet, pure, red fruits as possible. The velvet and silk finish is a treat to taste and experience. This is another stellar vintage for Brane Cantenac, an estate that has been on a non-stop roll. This is a wow wine that fans of the estate should run, not walk, and buy as for now, prices are still more than reasonable. Drink from 2025-2055.

5,645 Views   Tasted
Blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf and earthy nuances create the attention seeking nose. Dark in color, with equally dark, palate-coating fruits with layers of velvet-textured, sensuous, sexy, deep red berries. The fruits display a majestic sense of purity. The elegant, silky finish remains with you for close to 60 seconds, expanding and building in intensity. This is a wow wine that fans of the estate should run, not walk and buy as soon as its offered. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere 13.7% ABV pH 3.71. The harvest took place September 14-September 28. 96-98 Pts

Blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf and earthy nuances create the attention seeking nose. Dark in color, with equally dark, palate-coating fruits with layers of velvet-textured, sensuous, sexy, deep red berries. The fruits display a majestic sense of purity. The elegant, silky finish remains with you for close to 60 seconds, expanding and building in intensity. This is a wow wine that fans of the estate should run, not walk and buy as soon as its offered. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere 13.7% ABV pH 3.71. The harvest took place September 14-September 28. 96-98 Pts

9,932 Views   Tasted
2020
92
The debut vintage for this new white wine from Brane Cantenac is loaded with spicy, orange and yellow citrus, pears, green apples and white flowers. Juicy, creamy, and with loads of chalky yellow, orange and green citrus, Granny Smith apple with chalky tannins, this is already delicious in your glass. Drink from 2023-2028.

The debut vintage for this new white wine from Brane Cantenac is loaded with spicy, orange and yellow citrus, pears, green apples and white flowers. Juicy, creamy, and with loads of chalky yellow, orange and green citrus, Granny Smith apple with chalky tannins, this is already delicious in your glass. Drink from 2023-2028.

503 Views   Tasted
2020
92
Roses, smoke, spice and red currants form the core of this forward, medium-bodied, silky textured wine that is already showing well. The refined palate, with all of its supple, creamy red fruits hits everything just right. This is perfect to enjoy on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. This is a good example of a baby Brane Cantenac. Drink from 2023-2034.

Roses, smoke, spice and red currants form the core of this forward, medium-bodied, silky textured wine that is already showing well. The refined palate, with all of its supple, creamy red fruits hits everything just right. This is perfect to enjoy on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. This is a good example of a baby Brane Cantenac. Drink from 2023-2034.

2,094 Views   Tasted
Forward, medium-bodied, early drinking, silky textured wine that is already showing well. There is sweetness, refined textures and lift on the palate and finish with a fun touch of spice on the backend. 90-92 Pts

Forward, medium-bodied, early drinking, silky textured wine that is already showing well. There is sweetness, refined textures and lift on the palate and finish with a fun touch of spice on the backend. 90-92 Pts

4,420 Views   Tasted
2020
89
Medium-bodied, fresh, soft and fruity, with a sweetness to its core of currants and freshness too. This is a nice, uncomplicated, sapid wine that is perfect for ordering in a bistro or cafe. This is the new 3rd wine from Brane Cantenac. 2023-2030.

Medium-bodied, fresh, soft and fruity, with a sweetness to its core of currants and freshness too. This is a nice, uncomplicated, sapid wine that is perfect for ordering in a bistro or cafe. This is the new 3rd wine from Brane Cantenac. 2023-2030.

2,076 Views   Tasted
2019
97
Brane Cantenac is on fire lately! Vintage after vintage, they have really been on top of their game and 2019 continues their hot-streak! I do not know what is better, the silky, supple, sensuous, and sexy textures on the palate, or the complex set of aromas with all of its roses, lilacs, violets, cherries, plums, tobacco-leaf, earth and herbs. The wine has texture, length and purity along with the ability to age and evolve for up to 3 decades. This is a beautiful wine from Brane Cantenac. Drink from 2027-2060.

Brane Cantenac is on fire lately! Vintage after vintage, they have really been on top of their game and 2019 continues their hot-streak! I do not know what is better, the silky, supple, sensuous, and sexy textures on the palate, or the complex set of aromas with all of its roses, lilacs, violets, cherries, plums, tobacco-leaf, earth and herbs. The wine has texture, length and purity along with the ability to age and evolve for up to 3 decades. This is a beautiful wine from Brane Cantenac. Drink from 2027-2060.

10,756 Views   Tasted
Brane Cantenac has been on a hot streak since 2015 and 2019 clearly continues their streak. Flowers, tobacco leaf, herbs and red pit fruits with a closing hint of blackberry create the beautiful perfume. On the palate the wine is sensual, fresh, rich and vivid, with an array of dark red fruits, that really stays with you. This is a gorgeous vintage for Brane Cantenac. 95-97 Pts

Brane Cantenac has been on a hot streak since 2015 and 2019 clearly continues their streak. Flowers, tobacco leaf, herbs and red pit fruits with a closing hint of blackberry create the beautiful perfume. On the palate the wine is sensual, fresh, rich and vivid, with an array of dark red fruits, that really stays with you. This is a gorgeous vintage for Brane Cantenac. 95-97 Pts

9,956 Views   Tasted
2019
93
The debut vintage for this new white wine from Brane Cantenac is bright, fresh and floral, with sweet, juicy, Pippin apples, pears, lemon peel and grapefruit aromatics. Crisp and creamy with a crunchy yellow citrus core and finish, you can enjoy this now, or over the next decade with ease.

The debut vintage for this new white wine from Brane Cantenac is bright, fresh and floral, with sweet, juicy, Pippin apples, pears, lemon peel and grapefruit aromatics. Crisp and creamy with a crunchy yellow citrus core and finish, you can enjoy this now, or over the next decade with ease.

3,325 Views   Tasted
2019
90
Smoky, forest floor, cedar, herbs, and savory red fruits come through in the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, soft, fresh, and fruit. This is already so easy to drink, with its silky-textured, plummy palate, you can enjoy it today and over the next decade or longer while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2022-2031.

Smoky, forest floor, cedar, herbs, and savory red fruits come through in the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, soft, fresh, and fruit. This is already so easy to drink, with its silky-textured, plummy palate, you can enjoy it today and over the next decade or longer while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2022-2031.

2,346 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, elegant, soft, fresh and juicy, with loads of ripe, sweet, plums, cherries, herbs and thyme on the nose and palate. The wine is forward, silky and ready for prime time drinking on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to come around. 90-92 Pts

Medium-bodied, elegant, soft, fresh and juicy, with loads of ripe, sweet, plums, cherries, herbs and thyme on the nose and palate. The wine is forward, silky and ready for prime time drinking on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to come around. 90-92 Pts

4,379 Views   Tasted
2018
96
Elegant, fresh and refined, the wine offers layers of sweet, ripe, fresh, red berries, smoke, flowers, wet earth, herbs, spice box and tobacco leaf in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is silky, lifted, long and pure, displaying a beautiful depth of flavor in the finish. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

Elegant, fresh and refined, the wine offers layers of sweet, ripe, fresh, red berries, smoke, flowers, wet earth, herbs, spice box and tobacco leaf in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is silky, lifted, long and pure, displaying a beautiful depth of flavor in the finish. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

3,979 Views   Tasted
Deep garnet in color, this wine exudes a dark, black cherry core of fruits. Next, the perfume reveals hints of smoke, flowers, thyme and cigar wrapper. On the palate, the wine is focused on silky tannins, elegant textures and depth of flavor. Fans of Brane Cantenac should know that even with this depth of fruit the wine is still dances lightly over the palate. I am not ready to pick a favorite from the 2015, 2016 and 2018 trio but it is going to be fun tasting and comparing those vintages over the next few decades! From a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.76. It represents 60% of the harvest, which took place from September 14 to October 10. The higher than usual percentage of the Grand Vin is due to the frost, which hit the areas of the vineyard customarily reserved for the second wine. 95-97 Pts

Deep garnet in color, this wine exudes a dark, black cherry core of fruits. Next, the perfume reveals hints of smoke, flowers, thyme and cigar wrapper. On the palate, the wine is focused on silky tannins, elegant textures and depth of flavor. Fans of Brane Cantenac should know that even with this depth of fruit the wine is still dances lightly over the palate. I am not ready to pick a favorite from the 2015, 2016 and 2018 trio but it is going to be fun tasting and comparing those vintages over the next few decades! From a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.76. It represents 60% of the harvest, which took place from September 14 to October 10. The higher than usual percentage of the Grand Vin is due to the frost, which hit the areas of the vineyard customarily reserved for the second wine. 95-97 Pts

4,834 Views   Tasted
2018
91
Flowers and cassis meld together perfectly in this medium-bodied, forward, soft, elegant, sweet, red berry filled charmer. Enjoy this while waiting the Grand Vin to develop.

Flowers and cassis meld together perfectly in this medium-bodied, forward, soft, elegant, sweet, red berry filled charmer. Enjoy this while waiting the Grand Vin to develop.

2,425 Views   Tasted
Ruby in color, the wine is spicy, fruity, floral, forward, medium-bodied and already showing off its sweet cherry charms. Enjoy this while awaiting the sublime 2018 to develop. 89-91 Pts

Ruby in color, the wine is spicy, fruity, floral, forward, medium-bodied and already showing off its sweet cherry charms. Enjoy this while awaiting the sublime 2018 to develop. 89-91 Pts

3,492 Views   Tasted
2017
94
Offering an intoxicating mélange of floral, earthy and spicy scents along with cedar, tobacco and black raspberry notes, it’s very apparent something brilliant is about to happen. In the glass, you’ll find elegance and refinement. The fruits are on the red side but the tannins are so delicate, the juice so plentiful, that attention is elsewhere. From a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.76. It represents 60% of the harvest. The higher than usual percentage of the Grand Vin is due to the frost, which hit the parts of the vineyard customarily reserved for the second wine. The harvest took place from September 14 to October 10.

Offering an intoxicating mélange of floral, earthy and spicy scents along with cedar, tobacco and black raspberry notes, it’s very apparent something brilliant is about to happen. In the glass, you’ll find elegance and refinement. The fruits are on the red side but the tannins are so delicate, the juice so plentiful, that attention is elsewhere. From a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.76. It represents 60% of the harvest. The higher than usual percentage of the Grand Vin is due to the frost, which hit the parts of the vineyard customarily reserved for the second wine. The harvest took place from September 14 to October 10.

3,141 Views   Tasted
2017
87
Fresh, bright, sweet red fruits, this wine is medium bodied, soft, elegant and ready for prime time drinking on release.

Fresh, bright, sweet red fruits, this wine is medium bodied, soft, elegant and ready for prime time drinking on release.

2,884 Views   Tasted
2016
95
Still dark in color, the wine is clearly powerful, with notes of black tea, flowers, dark Cuban cigars, and black cherries. Balanced, fresh, harmonious, long, and rich, there is lift, energy, length, intensity, and purity with a chalky edge to the finish. This is not a wine for today, you need some patience before it shows really well. If you are not familiar with the level of wine coming from Brane Cantenac these days, you should be. Drink from 2030-2060.

Still dark in color, the wine is clearly powerful, with notes of black tea, flowers, dark Cuban cigars, and black cherries. Balanced, fresh, harmonious, long, and rich, there is lift, energy, length, intensity, and purity with a chalky edge to the finish. This is not a wine for today, you need some patience before it shows really well. If you are not familiar with the level of wine coming from Brane Cantenac these days, you should be. Drink from 2030-2060.

9,297 Views   Tasted
The complex nose sets you in the right direction with its hints of espresso, flowers, thyme, ripe cherry, plum and cocoa aromas. Medium-bodied, finesse styled in character, with silky textures and freshness, if you can wait a decade for this to open, you are going to have a stunner in your glass!.

The complex nose sets you in the right direction with its hints of espresso, flowers, thyme, ripe cherry, plum and cocoa aromas. Medium-bodied, finesse styled in character, with silky textures and freshness, if you can wait a decade for this to open, you are going to have a stunner in your glass!.

8,114 Views   Tasted
This is all about the finesse styled character, silky, sexy textures and purity found in the ripe, sweet, cherry notes. Ripe, vibrant and sensuous, there is length and complexity, making you want to take another sip, until the bottle is gone far too quickly.

This is all about the finesse styled character, silky, sexy textures and purity found in the ripe, sweet, cherry notes. Ripe, vibrant and sensuous, there is length and complexity, making you want to take another sip, until the bottle is gone far too quickly.

6,217 Views   Tasted
Quite floral in nature, with the added nuances of tobacco leaf, forest floor, spice, black and red fruits. Silky, soft and on the fresh side, there is a vibrancy to the fruit that combines lift and sweet, pure cherry fruits. This will age quite nicely.

Quite floral in nature, with the added nuances of tobacco leaf, forest floor, spice, black and red fruits. Silky, soft and on the fresh side, there is a vibrancy to the fruit that combines lift and sweet, pure cherry fruits. This will age quite nicely.

7,872 Views   Tasted
Garnet in color, the wine begins with a dominant spray of flowers followed by the aroma of wet earth, spice box, mint, caramel, espresso and blackberry. Elegant but not light, this is supple, fresh, balanced and energetic with crisp, red berries, easy yet vibrant tannins and spicy notes in the finish. Blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere, this wine reached 13.3% with a pH of 3.69. The Grand Vin represents 40% of the harvest and the picking took place from September 22 to October 17, save for the Carmenere, which was harvested on October 20.

Garnet in color, the wine begins with a dominant spray of flowers followed by the aroma of wet earth, spice box, mint, caramel, espresso and blackberry. Elegant but not light, this is supple, fresh, balanced and energetic with crisp, red berries, easy yet vibrant tannins and spicy notes in the finish. Blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere, this wine reached 13.3% with a pH of 3.69. The Grand Vin represents 40% of the harvest and the picking took place from September 22 to October 17, save for the Carmenere, which was harvested on October 20.

7,554 Views   Tasted
2016
88
Bright, fresh, refined, medium-bodied and ready to go, there is a nice. sweet, lively core of red cherries and plums that are found on the nose and palate. You can drink this now quite easily for pleasure. The wine was made from blending 65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Bright, fresh, refined, medium-bodied and ready to go, there is a nice. sweet, lively core of red cherries and plums that are found on the nose and palate. You can drink this now quite easily for pleasure. The wine was made from blending 65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.

4,456 Views   Tasted
2015
97
Already incredible to drink, the wine is concentrated, rich, sensuous, and packed with layers of fruit that does not quit. Even though it is early days, it is difficult not to be seduced by the complex aromatics and if that does not grab you, the velvet-textured opulence in the finish will. If you prefer exuberant, youthful fruits, with decadent textures, and a finish packed with fruit and glycerin, try a bottle now, If you desire more secondary notes, wait a few more years. Either way, this is a superb wine and a clear candidate for the best vintage of Brane Cantenac ever produced! Drink from 2024-2055.

Already incredible to drink, the wine is concentrated, rich, sensuous, and packed with layers of fruit that does not quit. Even though it is early days, it is difficult not to be seduced by the complex aromatics and if that does not grab you, the velvet-textured opulence in the finish will. If you prefer exuberant, youthful fruits, with decadent textures, and a finish packed with fruit and glycerin, try a bottle now, If you desire more secondary notes, wait a few more years. Either way, this is a superb wine and a clear candidate for the best vintage of Brane Cantenac ever produced! Drink from 2024-2055.

8,009 Views   Tasted
If this does not knock you out, I do not know what to say. Refined and elegant, with depth, vibrancy and purity of fruit, this is clearly the best wine made in the long history of Brane Cantenac. Intellectual and sexy, the sweet, perfectly ripe fruits, intense florality, silky tannins and length are in abundance here. There is a lot going on here in the nose and on the palate to keep you busy for decades! And at least for the time being, the wine still sells for a song.

If this does not knock you out, I do not know what to say. Refined and elegant, with depth, vibrancy and purity of fruit, this is clearly the best wine made in the long history of Brane Cantenac. Intellectual and sexy, the sweet, perfectly ripe fruits, intense florality, silky tannins and length are in abundance here. There is a lot going on here in the nose and on the palate to keep you busy for decades! And at least for the time being, the wine still sells for a song.

10,346 Views   Tasted
This wine deserves accolades for its balanced mix of purity of fruit, elegance, grace, refinement and frankly, sexy character. Without reservation, this is the best wine ever produced here. There is a serious depth of flavor, complexity and excitement that makes you want to take another sniff, sip and swallow. The sweet, perfectly ripe fruits, intense florality, silky tannins and length are found in abundance here. And at least for the time being, the wine still sells for a song.

This wine deserves accolades for its balanced mix of purity of fruit, elegance, grace, refinement and frankly, sexy character. Without reservation, this is the best wine ever produced here. There is a serious depth of flavor, complexity and excitement that makes you want to take another sniff, sip and swallow. The sweet, perfectly ripe fruits, intense florality, silky tannins and length are found in abundance here. And at least for the time being, the wine still sells for a song.

8,239 Views   Tasted
Truffle, forest floor, cocoa and ripe, dark, red fruits enliven the perfume. On the palate, this wine is silky, subtle and focused on freshness and purity of ready fruit. Elegance and weight enhance a long, crisp finish that feels wonderful on your palate. Blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere, the wine reached 13.6% with a pH of 3.78. The Grand Vin represents 42% of the harvest. This is my favorite vintage of Brane Cantenac, although Henri Lurton prefers the 2010. Either way, they are both superior vintages. 95 - 97 Pts

Truffle, forest floor, cocoa and ripe, dark, red fruits enliven the perfume. On the palate, this wine is silky, subtle and focused on freshness and purity of ready fruit. Elegance and weight enhance a long, crisp finish that feels wonderful on your palate. Blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere, the wine reached 13.6% with a pH of 3.78. The Grand Vin represents 42% of the harvest. This is my favorite vintage of Brane Cantenac, although Henri Lurton prefers the 2010. Either way, they are both superior vintages. 95 - 97 Pts

9,040 Views   Tasted
2015
90
Much better in bottle than barrel. With time, the wine has filled out, softened and developed more of its refined, early-drinking, soft textured, floral charm. This is perfect for restaurants today.

Much better in bottle than barrel. With time, the wine has filled out, softened and developed more of its refined, early-drinking, soft textured, floral charm. This is perfect for restaurants today.

4,912 Views   Tasted
Light but charming with freshness and sweetness to the red fruit-oriented wine. Drink this young. 86 - 88 Pts

Light but charming with freshness and sweetness to the red fruit-oriented wine. Drink this young. 86 - 88 Pts

3,940 Views   Tasted
2014
92
Brane Cantenac is really on fire at the moment. This already, delicious, medium bodied wine is all about its finesse, floral and sweet cherry center. The finish is as elegant as it is energetic.

Brane Cantenac is really on fire at the moment. This already, delicious, medium bodied wine is all about its finesse, floral and sweet cherry center. The finish is as elegant as it is energetic.

6,827 Views   Tasted
Strawberry, caramel, thyme and cherries stir this perfume into action, soaking the palate with spice, cherries and dark cocoa. This medium-bodied wine has a classically, elegant, fresh finish making it all the more agreeable. From a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.73. It represents 38% of the harvest. 91-92 Pts

Strawberry, caramel, thyme and cherries stir this perfume into action, soaking the palate with spice, cherries and dark cocoa. This medium-bodied wine has a classically, elegant, fresh finish making it all the more agreeable. From a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.73. It represents 38% of the harvest. 91-92 Pts

4,017 Views   Tasted
2013
89
More interesting on the nose, with its smoky, floral and cherry bouquet than on the medium bodied, soft, bright, red berry palate. Drink this on the young side.

More interesting on the nose, with its smoky, floral and cherry bouquet than on the medium bodied, soft, bright, red berry palate. Drink this on the young side.

3,310 Views   Tasted
With floral, earth and cherry notes, this elegantly styled wine has a core of fresh cherries and soft, dusty tannins in the finish that will want to consumed in its first decade of life. From a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.1% ABV with a pH of 3.66. From yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, the Grand Vin represents 38.9% of the production. 88-90 Pts

With floral, earth and cherry notes, this elegantly styled wine has a core of fresh cherries and soft, dusty tannins in the finish that will want to consumed in its first decade of life. From a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.1% ABV with a pH of 3.66. From yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, the Grand Vin represents 38.9% of the production. 88-90 Pts

2,083 Views   Tasted
2012
91
Licorice, cocoa, forest floor and sweet black cherry aromas lead you to a spicy, fresh, silky, crisp, sweet and tart mouthful of red fruits in an elegant styling.

Licorice, cocoa, forest floor and sweet black cherry aromas lead you to a spicy, fresh, silky, crisp, sweet and tart mouthful of red fruits in an elegant styling.

5,692 Views   Tasted
Blending 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.86. With a cassis, anise, floral, tobacco and earthy personality, the medium-bodied wine is bright, fresh, elegant and crisp with a sweet cassis- and blackberry-filled finish. 90-92 Pts

Blending 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.86. With a cassis, anise, floral, tobacco and earthy personality, the medium-bodied wine is bright, fresh, elegant and crisp with a sweet cassis- and blackberry-filled finish. 90-92 Pts

4,704 Views   Tasted
2012
85
Sweet and tart red berries, medium body and a short finish. 84-86 Pts

Sweet and tart red berries, medium body and a short finish. 84-86 Pts

6,767 Views   Tasted
2011
90
Forest floor, flowers and bright, fresh black raspberries are in the open, with this elegant, feminine, medium bodied, ready to drink soft wine.

Forest floor, flowers and bright, fresh black raspberries are in the open, with this elegant, feminine, medium bodied, ready to drink soft wine.

3,751 Views   Tasted
From a blend of 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and for the first time, a small percentage of .5% Carmenere has been added as well. Forest aromas with leaves, kirsch, flowers and spice, this medium-bodied, soft and round wine ends with a fresh and bright black raspberry and cassis finish. 90-91 Pts

From a blend of 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and for the first time, a small percentage of .5% Carmenere has been added as well. Forest aromas with leaves, kirsch, flowers and spice, this medium-bodied, soft and round wine ends with a fresh and bright black raspberry and cassis finish. 90-91 Pts

3,358 Views   Tasted
2011
84
Blending an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, red and black berries with earth, medium body and a soft, red cherry finish. 84-85 Pts

Blending an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, red and black berries with earth, medium body and a soft, red cherry finish. 84-85 Pts

7,692 Views   Tasted
2010
93
Deep ruby in color, the wine remains youthful. Now, it is easy to see its qualities, the richness, concentration, and layers of ripe, sweet fruits along with soft, polished tannins and vibrant acidities. But the wine is clearly reticent and holding back much of what it will deliver with a bit more aging. So, if you have a bottle or two, or a case, let it rest for a bit. Drink from 2028-2050.

Deep ruby in color, the wine remains youthful. Now, it is easy to see its qualities, the richness, concentration, and layers of ripe, sweet fruits along with soft, polished tannins and vibrant acidities. But the wine is clearly reticent and holding back much of what it will deliver with a bit more aging. So, if you have a bottle or two, or a case, let it rest for a bit. Drink from 2028-2050.

4,944 Views   Tasted
Great nose, packed with fresh flowers, cherries, earth, spice and jam. Focused, refined, elegant and concentrated with layers of sweet, ripe, lush, fruits, blending 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, this is the best vintage of Brane Cantenac I’ve ever tasted. Look for this to age well.

Great nose, packed with fresh flowers, cherries, earth, spice and jam. Focused, refined, elegant and concentrated with layers of sweet, ripe, lush, fruits, blending 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, this is the best vintage of Brane Cantenac I’ve ever tasted. Look for this to age well.

6,547 Views   Tasted
Forest, flower, black raspberry, smoke, earth aromas pair perfectly with the depth of flavor found in this Margaux wine. With ripe tannins and sweet, soft, energetic, pure black cherry personality, this is elegance.

Forest, flower, black raspberry, smoke, earth aromas pair perfectly with the depth of flavor found in this Margaux wine. With ripe tannins and sweet, soft, energetic, pure black cherry personality, this is elegance.

6,471 Views   Tasted
2010 Brane Cantenac offers a perfume with cassis, chocolate, licorice, spice and truffle aromas. In the mouth, the tannins feel silky and round. With round textures and pure blackberry fruit essences, the wine ends in a long, ripe, dark berry finish. This is developing more flavor and intensity as it ages in barrel. This Margaux wine was more expensive in 2010. The wine came out at 54 Euros. 94-95 Pts

2010 Brane Cantenac offers a perfume with cassis, chocolate, licorice, spice and truffle aromas. In the mouth, the tannins feel silky and round. With round textures and pure blackberry fruit essences, the wine ends in a long, ripe, dark berry finish. This is developing more flavor and intensity as it ages in barrel. This Margaux wine was more expensive in 2010. The wine came out at 54 Euros. 94-95 Pts

7,316 Views   Tasted
2010 Brane Cantenac From a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV, which is high for Brane Canenac. With a pH of 3.70, there is no sensation of heat in the wine. The Grand Vin represents 33% of the harvest. The wine opens with a delicate perfume of floral, jammy dark berries, cassis, oak and tobacco scents. Fresh, blackberry, floral, licorice and black cherry flavors, round ample tannins and a sweet, spicy cassis finish are the hallmarks of this wine. This shows more depth and acidity than the 2009. 92-94 Pts

2010 Brane Cantenac From a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV, which is high for Brane Canenac. With a pH of 3.70, there is no sensation of heat in the wine. The Grand Vin represents 33% of the harvest. The wine opens with a delicate perfume of floral, jammy dark berries, cassis, oak and tobacco scents. Fresh, blackberry, floral, licorice and black cherry flavors, round ample tannins and a sweet, spicy cassis finish are the hallmarks of this wine. This shows more depth and acidity than the 2009. 92-94 Pts

6,961 Views   Tasted
2010
87
Baron de Brane – Blackberry, oak and coca scents open to an easy to drink, fresh, medium-bodied Margaux wine. 86-89 Pts

Baron de Brane – Blackberry, oak and coca scents open to an easy to drink, fresh, medium-bodied Margaux wine. 86-89 Pts

5,662 Views   Tasted
2009
95
Wow, this has really blossomed with time in the bottle. With just a bit of lightness to the color starting to shine though, there is a richness and silkiness found in the fruit that makes this impossible not to want to take another sip. Rich and seductive, the wine is elegant, supple, long, and fresh. There is a refreshing minty note on the palate that accompanies the sweet fruit adding complexity and pleasure. You can start drinking this now, or age it for a few more years and enjoy it for at least 2 decades or more after that. Drink from 2025-2045.

Wow, this has really blossomed with time in the bottle. With just a bit of lightness to the color starting to shine though, there is a richness and silkiness found in the fruit that makes this impossible not to want to take another sip. Rich and seductive, the wine is elegant, supple, long, and fresh. There is a refreshing minty note on the palate that accompanies the sweet fruit adding complexity and pleasure. You can start drinking this now, or age it for a few more years and enjoy it for at least 2 decades or more after that. Drink from 2025-2045.

5,127 Views   Tasted
Just starting to lighten in color, you find cigar box, tobacco leaf, spice, wet forest leaf and cassis in the nose. Medium bodied, elegant, fresh and silky, the red cherry and plums are on the bright side, with good freshness in the finish. The wine was made from blending 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Just starting to lighten in color, you find cigar box, tobacco leaf, spice, wet forest leaf and cassis in the nose. Medium bodied, elegant, fresh and silky, the red cherry and plums are on the bright side, with good freshness in the finish. The wine was made from blending 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

4,991 Views   Tasted
With an inviting perfume filled with wet earth, blackberries, black cherry, smoke, spice and floral notes, this medium bodied Margaux is refined, supple and elegant. The wine finishes with ample layers of fresh, black and red fruits. Give it a few year to flesh out. The wine was made from a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc,

With an inviting perfume filled with wet earth, blackberries, black cherry, smoke, spice and floral notes, this medium bodied Margaux is refined, supple and elegant. The wine finishes with ample layers of fresh, black and red fruits. Give it a few year to flesh out. The wine was made from a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc,

9,746 Views   Tasted
2009 Brane Cantenac shows ample dark berry, anise, forest, spice, and wood aromas. This elegant, supple wine ends with dark fruit, licorice, and black cherry flavors. This is my favorite vintage of Brane Cantenac. 91/93 Pts

2009 Brane Cantenac shows ample dark berry, anise, forest, spice, and wood aromas. This elegant, supple wine ends with dark fruit, licorice, and black cherry flavors. This is my favorite vintage of Brane Cantenac. 91/93 Pts

9,909 Views   Tasted
2008
91
Showing its age in the color, the developing nose offers wet earth, espresso and red fruits. The wine is medium bodied,, with barely a tannic edge remaining to the sweet cherries on the palate. Just a few more years will add even more softness and complexity to the wine. The wine was made from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Showing its age in the color, the developing nose offers wet earth, espresso and red fruits. The wine is medium bodied,, with barely a tannic edge remaining to the sweet cherries on the palate. Just a few more years will add even more softness and complexity to the wine. The wine was made from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

2,886 Views   Tasted
Tobacco, cassis, earth and truffle scents open to a medium bodied, soft, elegant style of Margaux. The wine ends with a dark cherry finish. This wine will offer pleasure early.

Tobacco, cassis, earth and truffle scents open to a medium bodied, soft, elegant style of Margaux. The wine ends with a dark cherry finish. This wine will offer pleasure early.

7,267 Views   Tasted
2008 Brane Cantenac greets your nose with floral, earth, cassis, cedar, and blackberry aromas. Medium bodied in texture, this elegant, cassis filled wine should drink well young. 91 Pts

2008 Brane Cantenac greets your nose with floral, earth, cassis, cedar, and blackberry aromas. Medium bodied in texture, this elegant, cassis filled wine should drink well young. 91 Pts

7,335 Views   Tasted
08 Château Brane-Cantenac is one of the more elegant wines from the region. With floral, cherry, and spicy cassis, this perfumed wine is a treat on the nose. Medium bodied, this finesse style of Margaux finishes with clean, ripe, fresh berry and cherry flavors. In the search for improved quality, the chateau is now conducting malolactic in the barrel and increasing selection in the vineyards. Both choices will add depth and help improve the wine. 90-92 Pts

08 Château Brane-Cantenac is one of the more elegant wines from the region. With floral, cherry, and spicy cassis, this perfumed wine is a treat on the nose. Medium bodied, this finesse style of Margaux finishes with clean, ripe, fresh berry and cherry flavors. In the search for improved quality, the chateau is now conducting malolactic in the barrel and increasing selection in the vineyards. Both choices will add depth and help improve the wine. 90-92 Pts

7,230 Views   Tasted
2007
89
Medium bodied and fully developed, the nose has moved to earth, truffle, tobacco and cassis. Soft textured, light, but still fresh, the fruit has an earthy character and the tannins are slightly furry, but this is quite nice for the vintage. However, it does require drinking sooner than later.

Medium bodied and fully developed, the nose has moved to earth, truffle, tobacco and cassis. Soft textured, light, but still fresh, the fruit has an earthy character and the tannins are slightly furry, but this is quite nice for the vintage. However, it does require drinking sooner than later.

3,695 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied and fully developed, the nose has moved to earth, truffle, tobacco and cassis. Soft textured, light, but still fresh, the fruit has an earthy character and the tannins are slightly furry, but this is quite nice for the vintage. However, it does require drinking sooner than later.

Medium bodied and fully developed, the nose has moved to earth, truffle, tobacco and cassis. Soft textured, light, but still fresh, the fruit has an earthy character and the tannins are slightly furry, but this is quite nice for the vintage. However, it does require drinking sooner than later.

2,687 Views   Tasted
2006
91
Medium bodied, showing some aging in the color, the wine is sweet, soft, fresh and open, displaying none of the hard tannins found at many Left Bank estates in this vintage. The elegant, cherry and spice filled finish shows nice freshness in its character. You can enjoy this now, or age it for at least another decade.

Medium bodied, showing some aging in the color, the wine is sweet, soft, fresh and open, displaying none of the hard tannins found at many Left Bank estates in this vintage. The elegant, cherry and spice filled finish shows nice freshness in its character. You can enjoy this now, or age it for at least another decade.

2,993 Views   Tasted
2005
93
There is a slightly bricking to the color as the wine matures. Tobacco leaf, currants, cedar, and garrigue create the nose. Silky, supple, and seductive on the medium-bodied palate, the fruit is soft, ripe, and fresh, with dusty tannins in the finish. Drink from 2022-2045.

There is a slightly bricking to the color as the wine matures. Tobacco leaf, currants, cedar, and garrigue create the nose. Silky, supple, and seductive on the medium-bodied palate, the fruit is soft, ripe, and fresh, with dusty tannins in the finish. Drink from 2022-2045.

5,568 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied, elegant in style, with a focus on freshness and purity, coupled with silky, smooth textures, cherries, black raspberries, plum tobacco and smoky, earthy notes. This is just now starting to get going. Another 5 years will add more complexity and depth to the wine. The wine is made using a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

Medium bodied, elegant in style, with a focus on freshness and purity, coupled with silky, smooth textures, cherries, black raspberries, plum tobacco and smoky, earthy notes. This is just now starting to get going. Another 5 years will add more complexity and depth to the wine. The wine is made using a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

7,991 Views   Tasted
With a beautiful perfume filled with black cherries, cassis, earth, spice, fresh herbs and tobacco, this medium bodied, elegant Margaux is developing well. Due to its lighter style, this will please some tasters more than others. Starting with the 2009, the wines have added more concentration, while retaining the freshness and refined quality the chateau is known for.

With a beautiful perfume filled with black cherries, cassis, earth, spice, fresh herbs and tobacco, this medium bodied, elegant Margaux is developing well. Due to its lighter style, this will please some tasters more than others. Starting with the 2009, the wines have added more concentration, while retaining the freshness and refined quality the chateau is known for.

13,525 Views   Tasted
Powerful aromas need very little coaxing before tasters experience flowers, cassis, fennel and cherries. Medium/full bodied, this elegant style of Margaux is soft and refined. Finishing with freshness, spice and sweet black cherries, this finesse style of Bordeaux wine should drink well young.

Powerful aromas need very little coaxing before tasters experience flowers, cassis, fennel and cherries. Medium/full bodied, this elegant style of Margaux is soft and refined. Finishing with freshness, spice and sweet black cherries, this finesse style of Bordeaux wine should drink well young.

12,883 Views   Tasted
2004
88
The color of rose hip tea, more interesting on the nose than the palate, with its truffle, tobacco and cassis aromatic profile. Lightly styled, with bright cassis and cranberry in the finish, this is a wine to drink sooner than later. The wine is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

The color of rose hip tea, more interesting on the nose than the palate, with its truffle, tobacco and cassis aromatic profile. Lightly styled, with bright cassis and cranberry in the finish, this is a wine to drink sooner than later. The wine is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

3,496 Views   Tasted
2003
90
With flowers, tobacco, earth and blackberry aromas, this medium bodied wine has retained some freshness on the mid palate, ending with a slightly dusty, red berry finish. The wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

With flowers, tobacco, earth and blackberry aromas, this medium bodied wine has retained some freshness on the mid palate, ending with a slightly dusty, red berry finish. The wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

5,199 Views   Tasted
2002
88
Medium bodied, with a firmness to the tannins, a nose with a lot of tobacco tinged charm, red fruits and an earthy, forest and leafy component. The wine lacks the elegance and charm often enjoyed in subsequent vintages. The wine was made blending 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

Medium bodied, with a firmness to the tannins, a nose with a lot of tobacco tinged charm, red fruits and an earthy, forest and leafy component. The wine lacks the elegance and charm often enjoyed in subsequent vintages. The wine was made blending 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

3,158 Views   Tasted
2001
90
Medium bodied, finesse styled wine with a fresh, soft, elegant, cherry, tobacco and earthy character. Lots of charm, and fragrance, but not a lot of depth. The wine was made from a blend with an unusually high percentage of Merlot: 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Medium bodied, finesse styled wine with a fresh, soft, elegant, cherry, tobacco and earthy character. Lots of charm, and fragrance, but not a lot of depth. The wine was made from a blend with an unusually high percentage of Merlot: 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.

3,866 Views   Tasted
2000
92
Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, and soft in texture, the wine opens with its blend of flowers, truffle, tobacco leaf, and currants. The wine is vibrant and fresh with an edge to the red berries in the finish. This is clearly in its drinking window. Drink 2022-2035.

Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, and soft in texture, the wine opens with its blend of flowers, truffle, tobacco leaf, and currants. The wine is vibrant and fresh with an edge to the red berries in the finish. This is clearly in its drinking window. Drink 2022-2035.

3,430 Views   Tasted
2 decades of age has been kind to this wine, adding weight, complexity, and richness. Now you find a medium-bodied, soft, fresh, energetic, earthy wine filled with sweet, red fruits and dried floral notes. Elegant, balanced, and fresh, the wine expresses purity in a reserved manner, finishing with earth and herb overtones with a touch of thyme and hint of cocoa to go along with the sweet cherries in the finish. This is drinking beautifully today. The wine is a blend of 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Note to self... Drink more old vintages of Brane Cantenac!

2 decades of age has been kind to this wine, adding weight, complexity, and richness. Now you find a medium-bodied, soft, fresh, energetic, earthy wine filled with sweet, red fruits and dried floral notes. Elegant, balanced, and fresh, the wine expresses purity in a reserved manner, finishing with earth and herb overtones with a touch of thyme and hint of cocoa to go along with the sweet cherries in the finish. This is drinking beautifully today. The wine is a blend of 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Note to self... Drink more old vintages of Brane Cantenac!

4,806 Views   Tasted
With a developed nose, tobacco, truffle, red pit fruits and earthy scents are easy to find. Medium bodied and elegant in style, the wine ends wine a sweet cherry and cassis filled finish. This is close to full mature and should be enjoyed over the next decade for maximum freshness. The wine has a higher amount of Merlot in the blend, when compared to today\'s vintages: 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.

With a developed nose, tobacco, truffle, red pit fruits and earthy scents are easy to find. Medium bodied and elegant in style, the wine ends wine a sweet cherry and cassis filled finish. This is close to full mature and should be enjoyed over the next decade for maximum freshness. The wine has a higher amount of Merlot in the blend, when compared to today\'s vintages: 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.

9,457 Views   Tasted
This opens with a red and black fruit filled perfume, complicated by notes of tobacco, forest and spice. Elegantly textured and medium bodied, most of the tannins have already melted away.

This opens with a red and black fruit filled perfume, complicated by notes of tobacco, forest and spice. Elegantly textured and medium bodied, most of the tannins have already melted away.

8,163 Views   Tasted
1999
90
Medium bodied, finesse in style, this elegant charmer is fully ready to deliver all its soft, fresh, earthy, floral, leafy, red berry character. The wine was made with a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Medium bodied, finesse in style, this elegant charmer is fully ready to deliver all its soft, fresh, earthy, floral, leafy, red berry character. The wine was made with a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

5,104 Views   Tasted
1996
90
Fully mature, elegant in style, medium bodied, and slightly more focused on the perfume, with its blend of tobacco, cigar box, cherries, flowers and herbs. The strong floral and herb character comes from the large amount of Cabernet Franc in the blend. There is some dryness in the finish, but the nose is so pretty and ripe has ripeness, I gloss over that. But that issue will increase with more cellaring as the fruit fades. There is no reason to age this wine any longer. The wine was produced from blending 47.6% Merlot , 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc.

Fully mature, elegant in style, medium bodied, and slightly more focused on the perfume, with its blend of tobacco, cigar box, cherries, flowers and herbs. The strong floral and herb character comes from the large amount of Cabernet Franc in the blend. There is some dryness in the finish, but the nose is so pretty and ripe has ripeness, I gloss over that. But that issue will increase with more cellaring as the fruit fades. There is no reason to age this wine any longer. The wine was produced from blending 47.6% Merlot , 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc.

5,342 Views   Tasted
1995
91
Medium bodied, quite soft and silky, with almost, but not quite high pitched fruits. The freshness works here, with all the gentle tannins, strong floral, earthy, tobacco notes and sweet, red cherry and red plum in the finish. This is probably at peak, where it will remain for at least another 10-15 more years, if well stored. The wine was made from a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.

Medium bodied, quite soft and silky, with almost, but not quite high pitched fruits. The freshness works here, with all the gentle tannins, strong floral, earthy, tobacco notes and sweet, red cherry and red plum in the finish. This is probably at peak, where it will remain for at least another 10-15 more years, if well stored. The wine was made from a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.

4,122 Views   Tasted
1990
89
This light ruby colored wine was showing signs of age. With complex aromatics of tobacco, truffle, cassis and fresh leaves were a pleasure to spend with, Medium bodied with elegant textures, the wine finished with spicy cassis. The wine was made blending 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc.

This light ruby colored wine was showing signs of age. With complex aromatics of tobacco, truffle, cassis and fresh leaves were a pleasure to spend with, Medium bodied with elegant textures, the wine finished with spicy cassis. The wine was made blending 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc.

4,013 Views   Tasted
1989
90
The wine is light in color. Aromatics of truffle, earth, cassis, spice, and cedar are a pleasure to sniff. Medium bodied and elegantly textured, this fully mature wine ends in a short, cherry and plum note

The wine is light in color. Aromatics of truffle, earth, cassis, spice, and cedar are a pleasure to sniff. Medium bodied and elegantly textured, this fully mature wine ends in a short, cherry and plum note

3,727 Views   Tasted
1988
85
More earth and tobacco than fruit is going on here. The wine is medium bodied, with an austerity to its bright, crisp, red fruit character. This is at full maturity, so if you have been holding a bottle in your cellar, drink up. The wine was made from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

More earth and tobacco than fruit is going on here. The wine is medium bodied, with an austerity to its bright, crisp, red fruit character. This is at full maturity, so if you have been holding a bottle in your cellar, drink up. The wine was made from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

3,336 Views   Tasted
1986
91
A very nice, fully-mature wine here, that manages not to display the hard tannins found in the majority of wines from this difficult year. Medium bodied, soft, finesse in style, there is a complex, earthy, cherry, pipe tobacco filled bouquet that meshes perfectly with the soft, earthy, red fruits on the palate. There is no reason to age this any further. The wine was made from a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

A very nice, fully-mature wine here, that manages not to display the hard tannins found in the majority of wines from this difficult year. Medium bodied, soft, finesse in style, there is a complex, earthy, cherry, pipe tobacco filled bouquet that meshes perfectly with the soft, earthy, red fruits on the palate. There is no reason to age this any further. The wine was made from a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

2,958 Views   Tasted
1985
85
Rusty, brick colored, this smoke, cassis, ash and earthy scented wine is medium bodied and ends with a short, black cherry note. This is fully mature and requires drinking sooner than later. The wine is produced from a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

Rusty, brick colored, this smoke, cassis, ash and earthy scented wine is medium bodied and ends with a short, black cherry note. This is fully mature and requires drinking sooner than later. The wine is produced from a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc.

3,924 Views   Tasted
1983
91
Elegant, refined, silky and soft, with a floral, tobacco, truffle and sweet cherry nose, this medium bodied charmer is fully mature.

Elegant, refined, silky and soft, with a floral, tobacco, truffle and sweet cherry nose, this medium bodied charmer is fully mature.

4,130 Views   Tasted
1961
92
More than fully mature, with the color of bricks and rose hip tea, medium-bodied wine is elegant, soft, energetic, refined and silky. The red fruits still offer freshness, sweetness and lift, coupled with cedar, tobacco, spice and forest leafy notes. I imagine this sells at reasonable levels at auctions, so it is probably worth taking a chance on this, if you see any.

More than fully mature, with the color of bricks and rose hip tea, medium-bodied wine is elegant, soft, energetic, refined and silky. The red fruits still offer freshness, sweetness and lift, coupled with cedar, tobacco, spice and forest leafy notes. I imagine this sells at reasonable levels at auctions, so it is probably worth taking a chance on this, if you see any.

3,680 Views   Tasted
1959
92
The nose, with its bouquet of flowers, cigar box, cherries, cedar and wet earth could keep any taster busy. Medium-bodied, bordering on light, the wine is elegant, refined and silky, with sweet red berries, earth and cigar wrapper on the palate and in the finish. This is a text-book example of what a pretty wine tastes and feels like. It is not going to develop from here, but if it's well stored, it should continue providing pleasure for up to a decade from here.

The nose, with its bouquet of flowers, cigar box, cherries, cedar and wet earth could keep any taster busy. Medium-bodied, bordering on light, the wine is elegant, refined and silky, with sweet red berries, earth and cigar wrapper on the palate and in the finish. This is a text-book example of what a pretty wine tastes and feels like. It is not going to develop from here, but if it's well stored, it should continue providing pleasure for up to a decade from here.

3,274 Views   Tasted
1928
93
Brick colored, this piece of history is filled with complex aromas of Cuban cigars, pipe tobacco, cherry blossoms, leather, soy and smoke. With the beautiful patina of age, rusty black cherries, spice, backed dark berry pies and spice. The wine began to fade after 20 minute. But those initial moments were memorable. It is always a treat to enjoy history.

Brick colored, this piece of history is filled with complex aromas of Cuban cigars, pipe tobacco, cherry blossoms, leather, soy and smoke. With the beautiful patina of age, rusty black cherries, spice, backed dark berry pies and spice. The wine began to fade after 20 minute. But those initial moments were memorable. It is always a treat to enjoy history.

7,402 Views   Tasted
This bottle made me feel like either I needed to take up smoking, or quit, I was not sure which message it was sending. This could have been a Graves. Smoke, ash, cigar box, earth, tobacco, wood fire, lit cigar and cigarettes, along with pipe tobacco and hint of cassis made up the smoke filled perfume. Full bodied, but with only faint hints of dark berries poking through, this was an interesting experience. Interestingly, I recently discovered the 1928 was kept in wood for 4 years before bottling. This may have had some effect on the quality of the wine. However, the saying about wines over 20 years of age holds even more truth when the wine is over 80 years old! After 20 years of age, there are no great wines, just great bottles. But it will remain a great memory having tasted a wine with my father that is almost a decade older than he is!

This bottle made me feel like either I needed to take up smoking, or quit, I was not sure which message it was sending. This could have been a Graves. Smoke, ash, cigar box, earth, tobacco, wood fire, lit cigar and cigarettes, along with pipe tobacco and hint of cassis made up the smoke filled perfume. Full bodied, but with only faint hints of dark berries poking through, this was an interesting experience. Interestingly, I recently discovered the 1928 was kept in wood for 4 years before bottling. This may have had some effect on the quality of the wine. However, the saying about wines over 20 years of age holds even more truth when the wine is over 80 years old! After 20 years of age, there are no great wines, just great bottles. But it will remain a great memory having tasted a wine with my father that is almost a decade older than he is!

6,492 Views   Tasted
1926
92
Smoke, cigar box, tobacco, truffle, earth and cherry pipe tobacco notes created the complex nose. On the palate, the medium bodied wine was still showing sweet, fresh, red fruits and soft, elegant, refined textures.

Smoke, cigar box, tobacco, truffle, earth and cherry pipe tobacco notes created the complex nose. On the palate, the medium bodied wine was still showing sweet, fresh, red fruits and soft, elegant, refined textures.

2,798 Views   Tasted
1887
88
Tobacco, spice box, green pepper, wet earth and mint, with a suggestion of smoky berries on the nose, this medium bodied wine finishes with sweet and tart, red fruits and elegant, soft textures. Pure history in the glass.

Tobacco, spice box, green pepper, wet earth and mint, with a suggestion of smoky berries on the nose, this medium bodied wine finishes with sweet and tart, red fruits and elegant, soft textures. Pure history in the glass.

2,304 Views   Tasted