| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Henri Lurton, the proprietor here, has been working to improve quality in the vineyard with regrafting of Merlot to high quality Cabernet Sauvignon as they look to keep freshness and structure in the wines. The vineyard is now planted with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% split between Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Recent vintages have been outstanding and this property is now producing the best wines in Margaux behind the superstars of Château Margaux, Palmer and Rauzan Ségla. Grand Vin quality is kept high by the production of a very good second wine "Baron de Brane" and a third wine "Margaux de Brane"
The 2023 has a healthy yield of 45.70 hl/ha. It is made from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere. Henri sums it up as having "freshness, power and balance".
The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot (which saw some saignée), 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère and 1% Petit Verdot, and it completed its malolactic fermentation in barrels as has been the rule at this estate since the 1990s. Offering up aromas of dark cherries, cassis and spices framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a creamy core of fruit and a long, gently lactic finish.
The 2023 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 4 to October 2 at 45.7hL/ha with the highest IPT (Indice de Polyphénols Totaux, a measurement of tannin) ever with respect to the Merlot, which underwent some saignée in tank. Matured entirely in new oak, it has wonderful delineation on the nose, quite floral with pressed violets infusing the lifted black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky-smooth entry and a silver bead of acidity. Pure black fruit infused with graphite lends this Pauillac-like attributes, sustained on the finish, as usual. This is a very classical Brane-Cantenac— a worthy follow-up to the 2022.
Bright ruby in colour with good focus to the nose - fresh blackcurrants, menthol and graphite. This really has a sense of place. The palate is chalky and savoury, layering dried leaves and more fresh blackcurrant together with a hint of cedar. Compact and midweight, if this takes on a little weight through elevage it will be a very fine example and be worthy of a higher score. Streamlined and slender to the finish.
This shows very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them. It has a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. The tannin quality is exceptional.
The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is deep garnet-purple in color. Scents of blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries, and black raspberries slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to notions of charcoal, pencil lead, and a waft of tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a solid structure of racy acidity and firm, ripe, grainy tannins supporting the tightly wound black and red fruit flavors, finishing on a lingering mineral note. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, with pH 3.59.
A great aromatic hit on the opening beats, giving way to silky tannins, spiced plum, rhubarb and slate, cassis and bilberry fruit, all showing depth and intensity. Such an accomplished wine, once again showing how it's done. 100% new oak for malolactic and ageing, 8 coopers, 28 different toasts. 45.7hl/h yields, which is generous for this vintage in the Margaux appellation. Harvest September 14 to October 2. 3.59ph.
The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a sensual, silky wine. There's plenty of depth and structure behind that, but the first impression is most definitely one of elegance. Crushed flowers, spice and dried herbs meld into a core of super-expressive, dark, red-toned fruit. The 100% new oak is impeccably balanced within the wine’s frame. Brane-Cantenac remains one of the best relative values in Bordeaux, or anywhere, for that matter. This is a fine effort from proprietor Henri Lurton and his team. Tasted two times. 2033-2063
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère. Cask sample.
Good depth of fruit marked by the Cabernet. Cassis and mint aromas. Fine, linear and long, the tannins polished and integrated. Really quite refined. (JL) 13.5%
Drink 2030 – 2045
