critic reviews
The 2000 Brane-Cantenac represents the only vintage that eschewed any vin de presse due to a meticulous selection. This has a gorgeous bouquet that blossoms in the glass: a mélange of red and black fruit vie for attention as an underlying mineralité lends more dimension that previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins, perhaps just a little spicier than previous vintage. Cohesive with decent body on the finish, this has mellowed in recent years and attained more sophistication. The 2000 is classic in style and approaching its peak. Excellent. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
The 2000 Brane-Cantenac is composed of 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of stewed black plums, boysenberry preserves, tobacco, and leather with wafts of incense and fruitcake. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is mature, chewy, and with compelling freshness supporting the spicy flavors through the long finish.
The 2000 Brane-Cantenac, which I have tasted several times, retains those tropes of warm gravel and black truffle on the nose, although in this bottle I notice a little more red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, still quite strict and classic in style, featuring cedar and tobacco and maybe a little greenness toward the finish, but that merely lends it complexity. While this does not rank among the very greatest wines from the estate, it will continue to appeal to those with a penchant for classic claret. 13% alcohol.