CHATEAU BRANE-CANTENAC 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2023 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Château Brane Cantenac 2023 greets the glass with poised Margaux elegance: fragrant red and black cherry, wild blackberry, rose petal and cassis, edged by graphite, crushed violet and cedar. With time, spice, clove, star anise, tobacco leaf and damp loam emerge. Medium–full-bodied, it has a satin entry, taut acidity and fine-grained tannins that structure without weight. Ripe blackcurrant and Morello cherry are framed by savoury black olive and gentle liquorice; the mid-palate reveals cedar spice, dark chocolate and a mineral seam driving a poised finish. Oak is smartly integrated. Seamless texture balances silk and grip; drink now or cellar 8–15 years. Serve 16–18°C with lamb, duck or mushroom dishes. Top scores: Decanter 96; Jane Anson 96; James Suckling 95–96.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Château Brane Cantenac 2ème Grand Cru Classé, Margaux 2023 greets the glass with elegant reserve, a textbook expression of Margaux refinement tempered by a warm, expressive vintage. The bouquet opens with fragrant red and black cherry, wild blackberry, lifted rose petal and cassis, underscored by graphite, crushed violet and a hint of cedar. With time it reveals subtle spice, clove and star anise, plus a delicate tobacco leaf and damp loam that speak of class and terroir.

On the palate the 2023 is medium to full with a satin smooth entry, taut acidity and impeccably judged, fine grained tannins that give structure without weight. Primary fruit is pure and focused, ripe blackcurrant and Morello cherry framed by savoury black olive and gentle liquorice. The mid palate unfurls cedar spice, dark chocolate and a mineral seam that drives the finish with poise rather than brute force. Oak is smartly integrated, toasty cedar and vanilla spice add complexity while keeping fruit clarity front and centre.

Texture is seamless, balancing silk and grip, the wine’s frame is long and saline, finishing with a resonant floral echo. Drink now for charm, or cellar for 8 to 15 years to develop tertiary notes of leather, truffle and forest floor.

Serve at 16 to 18°C with roast lamb, duck à l’orange, mature cheeses or mushroom dishes to complement its floral and savoury threads. Château Brane Cantenac 2023 is a poised Margaux, graceful, refined and quietly powerful, a classic château expression marrying elegance with depth, offering both immediate pleasure and graceful evolution.

DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 09 Apr 2024) Part of Best Margaux 2023 wines tasted en primeur
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2048
Very aromatic, gorgeous florality on the nose, so inviting and welcoming. Really open and generous - roses, violets, peonies, red cherries and strawberries. Supple and juicy, instantly quite pretty and fun, a lively bright aspect to the red fruits - cranberry, crisp green apple, raspberry and strawberry then the fine tannins come into play and give the structure and the focus to the finish. It’s a little less plush than Brane is normally - usually more gentle, fleshy and smooth - this is a little two-toned with influence from the new oak in the tightness but there’s great potential here. Feels a bit more like a St-Julien expression - calm, relaxed, smooth, intentional, juicy and lifted. Less charming right now, more tense and precise. Ageing 18 months, 100 new oak. 13.7% press wine. 40% grand vin production.

JAMES SUCKLING ***** 95-96 Points
17 Apr, 2024 – 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 WINE ADVOCATE (93-95) points
Reviewed by: William Kelley
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.

Having grafted over Merlot vines to Cabernet Sauvignon, Henri Lurton and his team are now able to craft a balanced blend derived solely from the plateau of Brane, the estate's finest terroir, and that has brought more mid-palate depth and volume to the wines. The 2023 vintage delivered an abundant fruit set, so the team conducted extensive crop-thinning to balance the vines. The resulting wines are quite serious, with analytically high levels of tannin, though the estate's use of 100% new oak, with malolactic in barrique, for the grand vin has contributed some youthful creaminess out of the gates, even if I sometimes think that comes at the expense of a little precision

JANE ANSON 96 points
VINOUS 94-96 points

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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.