CHATEAU BRANE-CANTENAC 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2021 Bottle

Description

Château Brane-Cantenac 2021 is an exceptional wine that exemplifies elegance and refinement, earning 95 points from both James Suckling and Vinous, and 93-95 points from The Wine Advocate. Suckling highlights its beautiful finesse, showcasing flavours of currants, roasted red chili pepper, and hints of charcoal, complemented by mineral notes. Vinous praises the wine's enticing aromatics, featuring crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco, and cedar, with a notable 74% Cabernet Sauvignon blend for added structure. The Wine Advocate notes its deep bouquet of wild berries and violets, along with a medium to full-bodied palate framed by powdery tannins. Decanter awarded it 90 points, appreciating its mint and eucalyptus notes. This wine is enjoyable now, with excellent potential for ageing.

*****

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
Beautiful finesse here that shows currants, roasted red chili pepper and a hint of charcoal, mineral and pencil shavings. Very refined and layered with a juicy, medium body and a long, composed finish. Classy and very layered. Drink or hold.
Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor

VINOUS 95 points
The 2021 Brane-Cantenac is a classy, elegant wine. The aromatics alone are so enticing. Crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, rose petal and cedar open first. The 74% Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit higher than in most years, which comes through in the wine's aromatic and structural profile. The 2021 is quiet and understated. Élevage was 18 months in 100% new French oak, but the wood is not at all evident—an important and positive sign regarding the wine's overall balance. Even so, the 2021 is a subdued Brane-Cantenac, one that needs time in bottle to shine at its brightest. - Antonio Galloni

THE WINE ADVOCATE (93 - 95) points
The 2021 Brane-Cantenac shows considerable promise, exhibiting a deep bouquet of wild berries, cassis, spices and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and impressively concentrated palate that's framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. This seamless and enveloping wine is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and the balance Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Once again, it's derived from the château's best holdings on the plateau of Brane and is maturing in entirely new barrels." - William Kelley 04/22.

DECANTER 90 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle
(at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2035
Real mint, eucalyptus-touched cherries and blackcurrants on the nose, black pepper and bramble aromas with soft perfume too. The texture is so smooth and this has excellent weight on the palate with the structure noticeable and appealing. The flavour fills the mouth and this has good grip and tension, the tannins seamless but the depth settling on the mid-palate with the spicy as well as mineral backbone running through the wine. Gorgeous clarity here and just a general feeling that this is really well made! A top second wine, so charming and so beguiling. Really approachable now but with the weight, structure and intensity to age. Great freshness too. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.63pH.

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ABOUT CHATEAU BRANE-CANTENAC
Château Brane-Cantenac is a remarkable winery located in the heart of the Margaux appellation in Bordeaux, France. With a history that dates back to the 18th century, this estate has built a solid reputation for producing exceptional wines that capture the elegance and complexity characteristic of the region. Château Brane-Cantenac is classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, a testament to its quality and prestige.

The vineyards of Château Brane-Cantenac are ideally situated on the renowned gravelly soil of Margaux, which provides excellent drainage and contributes to the production of high-quality grapes. The estate primarily cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, allowing for the creation of wines that are rich in flavor and character. The commitment to low yields and meticulous vineyard management ensures that only the finest grapes are selected for vinification.

Château Brane-Cantenac is particularly celebrated for its elegant and refined wines, which are known for their balance, depth, and aging potential. The flagship wine, Château Brane-Cantenac, showcases a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine exhibits complex aromas of dark fruits, spices, and floral notes, along with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish.

The winemaking philosophy at Château Brane-Cantenac emphasizes both tradition and innovation, utilizing modern techniques while respecting the estate's rich heritage. The wines undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels to enhance their complexity and texture.

Sustainability and environmental stewardship are also important to Château Brane-Cantenac, with practices in place to protect the vineyards and promote biodiversity. This dedication to both quality and the environment ensures that the estate continues to thrive for future generations.

As Château Brane-Cantenac continues to garner accolades and recognition, it remains dedicated to its mission of crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Margaux. Each bottle tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship, passion, and the beauty of Bordeaux, inviting wine lovers to experience the artistry of one of the region's most esteemed producers. Whether enjoyed during special occasions or savored with fine cuisine, wines from Château Brane-Cantenac offer a true celebration of the elegance and finesse that define Bordeaux wines.