2019 Château Brane-Cantenac

Description

96    Jane Anson for Decanter
“A thoroughly moreish and high-quality Brane Cantenac, this is silky and seductive with impressive extraction of the tannins giving backbone and support to brambled and cassis fruits. Plenty of crushed stone and spice to add a gourmet edge alongside the just-smoked oak. Extremely high quality and one of the best Branes I’ve tasted at this stage. 3% of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc complete the blend. For the first time, all of the plots for this wine come from the plateau de Brane just in front of the château, a reflection of how well this terroir withstood the heat of the summer. Drinking Window 2029 – 2046.” (June 2020)

94-96    Neal Martin for Vinous
“The 2019 Brane-Cantenac was cropped at 50hl/ha between 18 September and 9 October. Matured entirely in new oak, it is in possession of an almost pixelated bouquet with beguiling blackberry, bilberry and crushed limestone aromas. I find this less austere than some vintages of Brane-Cantenac at this prenatal stage. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with filigree tannins, very harmonious, not a deep or powerful Margaux, yet very delineated. There is that signature touch of greenness that I often find on Brane-Cantenac on the finish, though I have learned through experience that this is assimilated with bottle age, so have a cool cellar handy. Excellent.” (June 2020)

93-94    James Suckling
“This shows exotic aromas of blackberries, wet earth, chocolate and fresh basil leaves. It’s full-bodied with round, creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Intriguing and real on the palate.” (June 2020)