Château Brane-Cantenac 2023

Particularly seductive on the nose; noble roasted notes, ripe blackcurrant, spice, dark chocolate, tobacco, violet; full-bodied on the attack, gripping on the mid-palate, dense, with a magnificent tension arc, sensational tannin quality, excellent length, a wine monument carved from stone.

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 structure and 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.

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)

The 2023 Brane-Cantenac was born the year that Lucien Lurton, who oversaw 34 vintages, passed away. There is a touch of reduction on the nose that soon dissipates, revealing quite detailed blackberry, bay leaf and crushed stone scents that perhaps do not quite have the pixelation of the 2022, yet are very pure and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a keen line of acidity, bright and fresh with a judicious touch of spice on the finish. Very refined and elegant, this is a worthy follow-up to the 2022, but fashioned in a different style. Excellent. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.

The complex set of aromatics displays flowers, cocoa, espresso, cigar box, and red fruits. On the palate, the wine is just as good, if not better, with its elegant, soft, refined profile, the perfect backdrop for its sweet, ripe red fruits that linger long after the wine has left your glass. This is another vintage that Brane Cantenac lovers should have in their cellars. The wine blends 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere. Drink from 2029-2047.

Dark ruby, purple reflections. Delicate floral nuances, cassis, fresh wild berries, inviting bouquet, medium complexity, elegant, finely structured, fine tannins, balanced and well-adhering, shows good typicity, a promising food wine.

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/ha yields, which is generous for this vintage in the Margaux appellation. Harvest September 14 to October 2. pH 3.59.

The nose is fruity, indulgent and precise, offering controlled concentration, substance and a fine textured edge. It reveals notes of blackberry and roasted raspberry, and more delicately violet, with touches of toasty nuances and fresh blond tobacco, as well as discreet hints of bright small fruits and a subtle touch of graphite. The palate is beautifully juicy and fleshy, with brightness, purity and a certain gourmandise, showing lovely density, accuracy and refreshing substance. It shows notes of juicy roasted cherry, pulpy/fresh red berries and, more delicately, violet, combined with touches of tobacco and star anise, along with fine hints of small red berries with an almost Mediterranean accent and a subtle note of aromatic herbs and toastiness. Good length, lovely juiciness and freshness, with attractive mineral, textured and indulgent persistence.