Château Brane Cantenac, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux, 2023

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.

DRINKING WINDOW 2029 - 2055

date of review 09/2025

Spiced cumin, cocoa bean, liquorice, plenty of depth and character without sacrificing elegance. Supple tannins, cassis and blueberry fruit, fine tannins that keep everything in check, this has decades ahead of it. Harvest September 4 to October 2, 100% new oak barrels, 3.59ph. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director. Henri's father Lucien Lurton passed away on March 25 of this year.

DRINKING WINDOW 2030 - 2046

date of review 09/2025

The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is deep garnet-purple in color. Scents of blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries, and black raspberries slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to notions of charcoal, pencil lead, and a waft of tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a solid structure of racy acidity and firm, ripe, grainy tannins supporting the tightly wound black and red fruit flavors, finishing on a lingering mineral note. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, with pH 3.59.

DRINKING WINDOW 2029 - 2050

date of review 05/2024