critic reviews
The 2020 Cantenac Brown has a more reductive nose than its peers—the aromatics are not coming out to play on this occasion. But in the glass, it does have real complexity. The palate is medium-bodied, though not quite as precise as its peers, with a little chewiness toward the finish. This does not engage as much as some of the other Margaux at the moment. It's a bit distant, though I am sure it will blossom with bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
A fine follow-up to the excellent 2019, the 2020 Cantenac Brown incorporates newly acquired holdings of Cabernet Sauvignon from the plateau of Margaux. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, cassis, burning embers and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and terrific purity of fruit. Concluding with a long, penetrating finish, it underlines the fact that this is the appellation's fastest-improving estate.
The 2020 Cantenac Brown is deep garnet-purple in color. It flows easily from the glass with
Consistently impressive Margaux estate, not the most exuberant of wines in this vintage, with a serious tannic structure that hides understated power. There is a lot to enjoy here, and a ton of ageing potential, with cassis and bilberry fruits, bitter chocolate, fennel and spiced sandalwood, softened by crushed roses and peony as it opens. Good quality, needs time. 60% new oak. New owner Tristan le Lous as of 2019, and this wine also includes the new 9.5ha vines of vines from Château Charmant and la Galiane (bought in July 2020), harvest September 10 to 30, José Sanfins director.