Château Cantenac Brown 2024

Bright ruby red; subtle roasted notes over blackcurrant berries, impeccably clean, spicy and floral, tremendously playful and very complex; surprisingly full-bodied on the attack, builds momentum, remains elegant, fine-grained, silky tannins caress the fruit, energetic, vertical, long-lasting and with excellent harmony. This year it ranks among the best that Margaux has to offer.

Rich aromatics, some herbal blackcurrant elements. Sharp tangy acidity, a little severe and sour, but super fine tannins produce a nice structure. The acidity makes this quite long but it’s a little tense and tight right now. Citrus acidity. Straighter, but there’s refinement here. Strawberry and cranberry crispness with a hint of sweet juiciness. Ends lean and mineral with bite. Not that charming but will be super easy to enjoy. 7% press. 48% production. Ageing 30% in one-year foudre, 70% in barrels of one or two years.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Deep crimson hue. Creamy dark-fruit nose. Rich and full on the palate. Plush for the vintage. Generous fruit weight with polished, well-integrated tannins. Freshness as well. Less finesse than Brane-Cantenac but impressive for the vintage. (JL)

Spicy, peppery, leafy currants with floral accents define the opening profile of the wine. On the palate, the wine is juicy, round, soft, sweet, and fresh, with a vibrant finish that allows it to resonate with black cherries and a savory backend. The estate credits part of its success to the new cellars, which enable precise vinifications. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. The Grand Vin was produced using only 52% of the harvest. Picking took place September 25 - October 12. Drink from 2029-2045. 92-94 pts

The nose is elegant and refined, truly indulgent, with aromas of chocolate confection and raspberry jam. The red fruit is at perfect ripeness and floral scents envelop the whole. Full and dense, the palate reveals an utterly charming texture—silky, smooth, with velvety, perfectly integrated tannins. Freshness plays a supporting role, bringing poise to the indulgent finish.

(70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) Lovely nose, both elegant and powerful. It is velvety, airy, elongated, full, with depth and a certain aromatic concentration. Notes of Bigarreau cherry, fleshy strawberry and, more subtly, cornflower emerge, along with touches of bright red berries, hints of blue fruits, and discreet notes of lilac, graphene, iodine, almost infusion-like, red pepper, almost mandarin/blood orange, and flowers. The palate is beautifully guided, balanced, and voluptuous, offering freshness, energy, fine definition, and a pure, brilliant expression of fruit. A fine balance between freshness, roundness, and energy. Lovely texture, freshness, finesse, and attention to detail. On the palate, this wine shows notes of juicy/pulpy blackcurrant, fleshy cherry, and, more subtly, bright red berries, with touches of lilac, nutmeg, a hint of graphene, blood orange, mocha, tobacco, and attractive gravelly nuances (in the background). A subtle floral note that extends the finish. A fine tannic edge on the finish, both aromatically and structurally.