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Goedhuis, June 2020, Score: 94-96
Proprietor Henri Lurton quotes 2019 as a year where the very best terroir excelled, hence he used only his finest plots from the plateau of the estate in the finished blend. His attention to detail has most certainly paid off; this has the makings of a truly fine Brane Cantenac. The core of the blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot which gives a very free expression. It is scented on the nose with aromas of currants, rose petals, violets and lavender while in the palate there is amazing depth to the dark summer fruits flavours and a sleek tannic core. This is so alive and fresh, qualities we often associate with this fine estate, especially with age. Beautifully polished and very long. Lovely.
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Neal Martin, February 2022, Score: 95
The 2019 Brane-Cantenac, which was bottled at the beginning of July 2021, takes time to open in the glass. As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, this vintage was matured entirely in new oak from several cooperages and inevitably the wood is still present aromatically, though it is completely simpatico with the fruit concentration that the growing season bestowed. (Previously the Grand Vin saw 70%–80% new oak.) The intense bouquet features blackberry, crushed rock, touches of crushed flowers and a hint of lavender. The palate is beautifully balanced with layers of red berry fruit, orange peel, cedar and just a touch of graphite. As I said in my previous assessment, it does not set out to be a powerful Brane-Cantenac, which means that it retains a fine elegance toward the finish and a touch of white pepper mixed with clove on the aftertaste. (Still) excellent. 14.1% alcohol. Drink 2028-2060
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Neal Martin, June 2020, Score: 94-96
The 2019 Brane-Cantenac was cropped at 50hl/ha between 18 September and 9 October. Matured entirely in new oak, it is in possession of an almost pixelated bouquet with beguiling blackberry, bilberry and crushed limestone aromas. I find this less austere than some vintages of Brane-Cantenac at this prenatal stage. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with filigree tannins, very harmonious, not a deep or powerful Margaux, yet very delineated. There is that signature touch of greenness that I often find on Brane-Cantenac on the finish, though I have learned through experience that this is assimilated with bottle age, so have a cool cellar handy. Excellent. Drink 2028 - 2060
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Antonio Galloni, February 2022, Score: 97
The 2019 Brane-Cantenac is wild and exotic from the very first taste. The aromatics alone are dazzling. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, tobacco, new leather, menthol and cinnamon are all kicked up in this flamboyant Margaux. The 2019 is radiant and generous, yet also retains a very classic sense of structure. The precision here is just unreal. In 2019, Brane-Cantenac is an absolute head-turner. It is the sort of wine that abounds in Bordeaux, a wine that offers tremendous quality and relative value. Drink 2029-2059
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Antonio Galloni, June 2020, Score: 94-96
The 2019 Brane-Cantenac was cropped at 50hl/ha between 18 September and 9 October. Matured entirely in new oak, it is in possession of an almost pixelated bouquet with beguiling blackberry, bilberry and crushed limestone aromas. I find this less austere than some vintages of Brane-Cantenac at this prenatal stage. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with filigree tannins, very harmonious, not a deep or powerful Margaux, yet very delineated. There is that signature touch of greenness that I often find on Brane-Cantenac on the finish, though I have learned through experience that this is assimilated with bottle age, so have a cool cellar handy. Excellent.
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James Suckling, May 2020, Score: 93-94
This shows exotic aromas of blackberries, wet earth, chocolate and fresh basil leaves. It’s full-bodied with round, creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Intriguing and real on the palate.
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Decanter, June 2020, Score: 96
A thoroughly moreish and high-quality Brane Cantenac, this is silky and seductive with impressive extraction of the tannins giving backbone and support to brambled and cassis fruits. Plenty of crushed stone and spice to add a gourmet edge alongside the just-smoked oak. Extremely high quality and one of the best Branes I've tasted at this stage. 3% of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc complete the blend. For the first time, all of the plots for this wine come from the plateau de Brane just in front of the château, a reflection of how well this terroir withstood the heat of the summer. Drinking Window 2029 - 2046
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Jancis Robinson, June 2020, Score: 17.5
Beautifully fresh and fragrant on both the nose and the palate. Intense but refined dark-fruit, spice and floral aromas and flavour. A touch of sweetness on attack then velvety texture and tannins. Clean, persistent finish. Great balance. The epitome of fine Margaux. Shades of the 2016? (JL) Drink 2027 – 2045
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Wine Cellar Insider, June 2020, Score: 95-97
Brane Cantenac has been on a hot streak since 2015 and 2019 clearly continues their streak. Flowers, tobacco leaf, herbs and red pit fruits with a closing hint of blackberry create the beautiful perfume. On the palate the wine is sensual, fresh, rich and vivid, with an array of dark red fruits, that really stay with you. This is a gorgeous vintage for Brane Cantenac.
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William Kelley, April 2022, Score: 97
Derived exclusively from the château's holdings on the deep gravel soils of the plateau of Brane, the 2019 Brane-Cantenac has turned out brilliantly and merits a special effort to seek out. Wafting from the glass with aromas of wild berries, pencil shavings, violets, sweet loamy soil and cardamon, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with lively acids, ripe tannins and a beautifully seamless, perfumed profile. Retaining all the estate's signature elegance but with an extra dimension of depth and intensity, it's the finest Brane-Cantenac of the modern era and one of the great successes of the 2019 vintage. Drink 2029-2065. 97 points. William Kelley, Wine Advocate.
