Chateau Brane Cantenac   Chateau Brane Cantenac

2004 Chateau Brane-Cantenac

By Chateau Brane-Cantenac

2004 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, Bordeaux

The Margaux appellation, renowned for its polished and fragrant wines, has been graced with an exemplar in the form of the 2004 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac. This particular vintage sings a hymn to the harmonious balance and classical structure for which its terroir is celebrated, a testament to the careful custodianship of Henri Lurton and his team.

 

A Testament to Terroir

The year 2004 gifted us with a vintage that, while overshadowed by the giants of 2005 and 2000, quietly stole hearts with its supple grace and early approachability. This was a year that challenged viticulturists with a somewhat capricious growing season. Nonetheless, Chateau Brane-Cantenac mastered the fickleness of nature to encapsulate the quintessential Margaux elegance.

The characterful blend of this vintage presented a poised melange of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, interlaced with dashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It renders a bouquet rich in ripe blackberry and currant aromas, complemented by hints of cedar and tobacco—a nuanced nod to its time in oak barrels. On the palate, one encounters disciplined tannins that speak to cellaring potential while maintaining a ready succulence that beckons immediate tasting.

 

An Investment in Refinement

Savouring the 2004 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac hence becomes not merely an indulgence in enological artistry, but also an astute investment consideration. Patrons seeking a cerebral addition to their fine wine portfolios would do well to contemplate this vintage's understated prowess.

With almost two decades behind it, this well-bred Margaux reveals layers of complexity undiminished by time. The judicious ripeness is impeccably preserved within its deep ruby allure, promising continued evolution for those patient investors who afford it further cellarage.

In conclusion, the 2004 Chateau Brane-Cantenac offers a profound testament to the finesse possible from Bordeaux’s left bank amidst less heralded years. With its classic bearing and composed fruit expression, it is undoubtedly a distinct and cerebral selection for connoisseurs seeking both pleasure and potential in their investments.

Market price (HKD)

HK$7,300.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

76

Scores and tasting notes

90

Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2004 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It has an agreeable, "classic" bouquet with tobacco-infused redcurrant and cranberry fruit that is well-defined and gains intensity in the glass, a distant autumnal woodland scent in the background developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, the finish moving towards secondary flavors with hints of brown sugar, tobacco and a hint of dried blood. This is a fine Margaux for the vintage and it should offer another decade of pleasure. Tasted April 2015.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016

Vintage performance