2021 Ch Brane Cantenac 2ème Cru, Margaux

DUE OCT 2024

The 2021 Brane-Cantenac  notably marries fruit intensity with energy and structure. There is an exotic richness to the 2021 that is impossible to miss. Kirsch red plum blood orange cinnamon new leather and spice all meld together. The 2021 is bold sumptuous and alluring. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. The oak needs to fully integrate but that's what elevage is for. Brane-Cantenac was impressive on both occasions I tasted it.

93-96 points AG vinous.com

A dark seductive nose, liquorice, sweet and sticky with a real depth to the aromatics, black chocolate and perfumed blackcurrants - that glamour that Margaux does so well. High acid here, crunchy fruit with bite and ample appeal. This is a little high-toned still, with the focus on the mineral, slightly austere sides to the bright and youthful strawberry fruit with toasted wood edges. Tannins are so supple and integrated however, they give a plumpness but this is still quite a linear wine, with such tension and drive - it's tightly-knitted no doubt but has the most gorgeous herbal Cabernet elements on the fresh finish which I totally love. You get understated power, this feels well controlled, sophisticated and totally delectable. What a lovely 2021. Eric Boissenot consultant. 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère complete the blend. 3.66pH.

Drinking Window 2027 - 2047

95 points Georgina Hidle decanter.com

I loved the 2021 Château Brane-Cantenac, and I'd put this up with the top wines in the appellation. Medium-bodied, silky, and pure, with considerable elegance, it has lots of red and black fruits, some floral and herbal, tobacco nuances, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a quintessential Margaux with its complexity and nuance.

92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com

Dark plum colour, attractive rich texture, with high aromatics and clear power on the nose. Not exuberant, more red and blue, cool fruits, with purity and power, this has concentration and is one of the best in Margaux in this vintage. Has personality and balance, with curls of black chocolate and liqourice, balacing out the ever-present fresh acidities of the vintage. 100% new oak, 3.63ph. 12.7ph. Harvest September 23 to October 7. 41.2hl/h yield, high for the year, but without dilution which was a potential pitfall of high yields. A potential upscore in bottle.

94 points Jane Anson janeanson.com Apr 2024

A medium-bodied, very polished Brane-Cantenac with firm yet fine and textured tannins. Deep and compact core of black fruit, herbs and spices. Pretty licorice and clove notes. Structured and long. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% carmenere.

94-95 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com

The 2021 Brane-Cantenac shows considerable promise, exhibiting a deep bouquet of wild berries, cassis, spices and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and impressively concentrated palate that's framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. This seamless and enveloping wine is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and the balance Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Once again, it's derived from the château's best holdings on the plateau of Brane and is maturing in entirely new barrels.

The 2021 vintage is another success for Henri Lurton and his team at Brane-Cantenac. Harvest finished up here on October 7, and the grand vin emphasizes Cabernet Sauvignon from the quaternary gravel terrace of the plateau of Brane, an early-ripening, optimally situated site that has delivered a wine of impressive amplitude and texture for the vintage. Once again, Brane-Cantenac is one of the highlights of the commune—and the Médoc—this year.

93-95 points William Kelley robertparker.com APR 2022