Chateau Brane Cantenac   Chateau Brane Cantenac

2012 Chateau Brane-Cantenac

By Chateau Brane-Cantenac

The 2012 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, Bordeaux

Amidst the lush landscapes of Margaux, lies the esteemed Chateau Brane-Cantenac, a bastion of fine wine making whose name resonates with an air of distinction. The 2012 vintage from this hallowed estate offers a compelling narrative, one that is bound to capture the attention of earnest investors and aficionados alike.

 

A Testament to Terroir & Technique

While Bordeaux enthusiasts will recall that the 2012 vintage posed its fair share of climatic challenges, Chateau Brane-Cantenac emerged triumphantly. A cool spring gave way to a warm, dry late summer and autumn, conditions that coaxed out a remarkable complexity within the grapes. This vintage echoes the resilient spirit of its terroir, showcasing the deftness employed in navigating such an atypical growing season.

 

Complexity and Finesse: A Vintage to Rival

Suffused with the harmonious interplay of ripe blackberries and plums, the 2012 Chateau Brane-Cantenac speaks directly to those who desire a wine laced with depth. Subtle undertones of cedar and tobacco allude to its meticulous aging process; while wafts of violet lend an ethereal grace, framing this vintage as one imbued with both sensuality and intellect.

On the palate, there is a delicate tightrope of tannins - firm yet supple - complemented by a lively acidity which propels it towards a long-lasting finish. It is a wine that, while quietly assertive in its youth, promises even greater splendours through maturity.

As we contemplate its virtues and investment appeal, it is evident that the 2012 Chateau Brane-Cantenac encapsulates the artistry essential in creating wines that not only reflect their origin but also defy their vintage's expectations. It stands as an astute acquisition for collectors seeking pedigree and poise; a centrepiece showing the zenith of Bordeaux’s winemaking finesse during an otherwise challenging year.

 

In Vino Veritas: The Investment Perspective

Enthusiasts searching for a Margaux with true character need look no further than the 2012 Chateau Brane-Cantenac. Here lies a vintage offering engagement for the palate and potential for the portfolio. Indeed, connoisseurs investing in this particular expression are not merely purchasing a mere bottle but are securing a slice of Bordeaux’s history apt to appreciate over time.

Market price (GBP)

£520.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

52

Scores and tasting notes

90

Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2012 Brane-Cantenac, now in bottle, has developed a satisfying bouquet of blackberry, tar and tobacco, keeping within the Brane-Cantenac style, but perhaps delivering a little more fruit intensity than it showed out of barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and well-judged acidity. There is a pleasant fleshiness here with a salinity on the finish that urges another sip. This is commendable for the vintage, although I would suggest it will offer more pleasure in its youth, rather than something that I would insist upon cellaring. Tasted January 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016

Vintage performance