Château Brane Cantenac, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux, 2017
74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere with 11.3% press wine and weighing in at 12.7% alcohol. This hails exclusively from the plateau they call terrace IV, where Henri Lurton and his team have grafted Cabernet Sauvignon plants onto old Merlot rootstock. The additional Cabernet adds an aromatic complexity and freshness. They were very careful with extractions and appear to have produced a really harmonious and successful 2021. Wonderful florality, cool cherries and blood orange. Great definition to the fruit, pure, juicy, bittersweet fruit – the mid-palate is packed with sleek, refined berries supported by beams of acidity. This is a splendid Brane Cantenac sustained by supple, fine tannins. Exquisite.
critic reviews
2017 was the year in which three hectares were planted with white varieties. The 2017 Brane-Cantenac has a slightly leaner nose compared to vintages either side, more marine-influenced with oyster shell and kelp infusing the black fruit, but finely delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. This feels lightly spiced and harmonious, quite "gentle" for the château with a judicious touch of cracked black pepper than enhances the finish. Fine. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
Soft crushed rose petals, this is remarkably open and ready at 8 years old when you look at the rest of the vertical - definitely one for early drinking, still delivering charm, character and balance. Expect silky tannins, crushed raspberry puree, good quality. Harvest September 14 to October 2, 31.3hl/h yield, 3.6ph, 70% new French oak for ageing. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director.