Château Brane Cantenac, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux, 2024
Henri Lurton's magnificent second growth Chateau in Margaux has been on a fine run of form. The 2018 is an exceptional effort, one that may even eclipse the superb 2015 and 2016. This is quintessential Margaux; all fragrance and purity of fruit. The bouquet offers notes of potpourri, griotte liqueur and Chambord - this is so seductive and nuanced. It is very distinguished with a real sense of nobility. Pure, decadent fruits wash over the palate - this is so finely textured and beautifully transparent. There's good weight of fruit; polished, sensual, sweet blackberries, toast and sweet spice. We were so impressed by the focus, precision and vibrancy of the fruit - it engages and coats the palate without any heaviness. The tannins are salty and lithe, packed with distinguished fruity detail. A harmonious and gorgeously textured Brane. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 13.4% Alcohol.
critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored. Slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal fragrant notes of warm red plums, kirsch, and strawberry pie, plus hints of mossy tree bark and black olives. The light to medium-bodied palate is plush and refreshing with impressive intensity and a perfumed finish. Pretty!
The 2024 Brane-Cantenac was picked between September 17 and October 8. No Petit Verdot or Carménère were included in the blend this year. It was cropped at 46.6 hl/ha and matured in 80% new oak. This has a refined bouquet, understated at first, opening with black fruit, graphite and deft touches of wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit on the entry. With fine grip and very fresh, this is a Brane-Cantenac leaning more toward Pauillac in style as it is sometimes wont to do. Lightly peppery on the finish, this is an elegant Margaux that should be broached before its 2020 or 2022 counterparts.
Tons of energy, stone fruits, cherry pits, damson, a lovely feeling of fruit that has plenty of life ahead it, fresh and juicy with sapidity. not trying too hard just full of pleasure. Edge of grilled campfire, graphite, generosity, easily one of the wines of the vintage. 11.3% press wine, 3.53pH, 46.6hl/ha yield. Harvest 17 September to 8 October, 80% new oak for ageing.
A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Brane-Cantenac exhibits aromas of sweet berries, vanilla pod and toasty new oak, followed by a medium-bodied, fleshy and youthfully tannic palate that's lent a creamy, lactic quality by its malolactic fermentation in new barrels.