CHATEAU BRANE-CANTENAC 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2023 Bottle
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Margaux | 75cl
£79.95
ABV: 13%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Margaux
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Petit Verdot
Description
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.
*****
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 flavour and character. The commitment to low yields and meticulous vineyard management ensures that only the finest grapes are selected for vinification.
DECANTER - 96 Points
"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."
Drinking Window: 2032-2048
THE WINE ADVOCATE - 93-95 Points
"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."