The 2018 vintage of Château Brane-Cantenac is a true masterpiece from the renowned Margaux region of Bordeaux, France. This 6000mL bottle is a stunning representation of the Château's commitment to producing exceptional wines year after year. Upon opening, the wine reveals a deep, rich ruby color, enticing the senses with its vibrant hue. On the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and cedarwood mingle with subtle hints of tobacco and earthy notes, creating a complex and alluring bouquet. On the palate, the wine exudes elegance and finesse, with silky tannins and a velvety texture. Flavors of dark berries, plum, and a touch of spice dance on the tongue, leading to a long, lingering finish. This 2018 vintage of Château Brane-Cantenac is a testament to the incredible terroir of Margaux and the skilled craftsmanship of the winemakers at this historic château. A must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Critic Reviews
96 POINTS
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast
This is now performing as one of the top Margaux estates. Their latest release shows structure, elegant black fruits and rich tannins. Densely textured and vibrantly fruity, the wine has a fine future. Drink from 2027.
95 POINTS
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast
94–96. Barrel Sample. This wine is rich yet finely balanced. The acidity and the tannins are well integrated with the beautiful black currant flavor. Overall, this fine wine promises a bright future.
95 POINTS
Jane Anson - Decanter
This is a serious wine, with well constructed walls and floor, but it's full of life too, with brambled, succulent and generously-extracted fruit on the nose. It has less immediate charm than some in the appellation and will take a while to come round, but it has clear ageing ability and is one to savour. You feel the precision and confidence in how it presents itself. 1% Petit Verdot makes up the blend - there was no Carmenère in the grand vin in 2018. 45hl/ha yield. 70% new oak.
95 POINTS
James Suckling
What strikes me about this Brane-Cantenac is the gorgeous center palate of ripe fruit, which gives an impression of generosity, yet it’s tight and reserved at the same time. Fine and polished tannins follow on and drive this gorgeous fruit. Points: 95-96
95 POINTS
James Suckling
Aromas of mushroom, meat, bark and iodine with blackberries and blackcurrants, following through to a full body with firm, creamy tannins that give structure and form to the wine. Tight on the finish. Long and persistent with presence. Drink after 2025.
93 POINTS
Peter Moser - Falstaff
Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Inviting dark forest berry confit, fresh cherries, floral nuances, delicate dried fruit. Juicy, fine cherry fruit, freshly structured, round tannins, elegant and long lasting, medium complexity on the finish, fine food wine.
93 POINTS
Peter Moser - Falstaff
Dark ruby, purple reflections, DELICATE rim brightening. Delicately savoury UNDERLAY/BACKGROUND of fresh heart cherries, candied orange zest, some nougat, mineral touch. Juicy, red wild berryish fruit, fresh acidity, fine, integrated tannins, a lively companion at the table, already accessible and well developed. (2020-2040).
Winemakers Notes
On his path to forging a very distinct identity for his wine, Henri Lurton has elevated Brane Cantenac as one of the most elegant and refined wines in the médoc. Thanks to a generation’s worth of intense and thorough work in the vineyard, the wines of Brane are indeed getting ever more profound and accomplished with each new vintage. We are absolutely convinced that time will reveal 2018 as an all-time high for Brane Cantenac, making it a must have this year. You will find herebelow a note from Henri Lurton explaining vintage 2018 at Brane. "Exceptional vintages usually are easy vintages, both for the both vineyard manager and cellar master. In 2018, decisions were absolutely crucial. In the vineyard, constant vigilance was key to protecting the crop (even more so because of the unusually wet spring) as well as reaching optimum ripeness to avoid overly high concentration. In the cellar, we carried out a tailor-made winemaking process with more than 80 separate batches. What brought 2018 up to par with the most prestigious vintages was the buffering effect of our exceptional terroir. Its natural drainage hindered rapid growth after late rain spells. The deep clayey gravels enabled early and full ripeness without concentration by supplying sufficient water resources throughout the long period of drought. The cabernet sauvignons that represent ¾ of the blend for the Grand Vin are on the same quality level as previous great vintages such as 2010, 2015 or 2016 to mention only the most recent ones. The merlots that add the finishing touch to the blend haven’t displayed such quality since 2005. While their fantastic fruitiness and incredible silkiness only enhance Brane they’re the basis for a flamboyant Baron de Brane. The entire team at Brane-Cantenac and myself are very proud to offer you these wines that can only gain understanding and recognition over the years."
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Tasting Notes
The 2018 vintage of Château Brane-Cantenac is a true masterpiece from the renowned Margaux region of Bordeaux, France. This 6000mL bottle is a stunning representation of the Château's commitment to producing exceptional wines year after year. Upon opening, the wine reveals a deep, rich ruby color, enticing the senses with its vibrant hue. On the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and cedarwood mingle with subtle hints of tobacco and earthy notes, creating a complex and alluring bouquet. On the palate, the wine exudes elegance and finesse, with silky tannins and a velvety texture. Flavors of dark berries, plum, and a touch of spice dance on the tongue, leading to a long, lingering finish. This 2018 vintage of Château Brane-Cantenac is a testament to the incredible terroir of Margaux and the skilled craftsmanship of the winemakers at this historic château. A must-try for any wine enthusiast.