Chateau Brane Cantenac 2023

77 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 % Merlot, 1 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Carmenere, 1 % Petit Verdot
Fermentation in oak casks, R’Pulse, punching down, racking over.
Maturing/ageing : 18 months in French oak barrels, with 100% new

OWNER’S DESCRIPTION
The color is deep. It has purplish-purple highlights. The first nose is very intense, with aromatic complexity dominated by fruity, floral, spicy and subtle oaky scents. Aeration amplifies these sensations, exhaling notes of red and black fruits, violets, vanilla and sweet spices. These aromas reflect the perfect ripeness of the grapes. The nose also expresses great freshness and elegance. On the palate, the wine is dense, velvety and fleshy. The tannins are of the highest quality, and despite their power, deliver a persistent sweetness. The wine’s perfect balance and acidity give it freshness and sapidity. The finish is very long, providing a lasting sensation of smoothness and persistent fruity, spicy and oaky aromas. Definitely a great Brane, made to age a very long time!

Wine Advocate 93-95/100 : “The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot (which saw some saignée), 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère and 1% Petit Verdot, and it completed its malolactic fermentation in barrels as has been the rule at this estate since the 1990s. Offering up aromas of dark cherries, cassis and spices framed by creamy new oak, it’s medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a creamy core of fruit and a long, gently lactic finish”.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 94-96/100 : “The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a sensual, silky wine. There’s plenty of depth and structure behind that, but the first impression is most definitely one of elegance. Crushed flowers, spice and dried herbs meld into a core of super-expressive, dark, red-toned fruit. The 100% new oak is impeccably balanced within the wine’s frame. Brane-Cantenac remains one of the best relative values in Bordeaux, or anywhere, for that matter. This is a fine effort from proprietor Henri Lurton and his team. Tasted two times”.

James Suckling 95-96/100 : “This shows very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them. It has a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. The tannin quality is exceptional”.