Chateau Brane Cantenac   Chateau Brane Cantenac

2015 Chateau Brane-Cantenac

By Chateau Brane-Cantenac

2015 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, Bordeaux

A wine of grace and aplomb, the 2015 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac is a testament to a vintage which generously imparted its favourable essence to the Margaux region. With meticulous vinification and sagacious oak maturation, this exuberant creation reflects the precision and expertise of its cellar masters.

 

Unveiling the Sublime Nuances of 2015

As an astute critic and vanguard for grapevine alchemy, I hold in high esteem the individuality evinced by this heralded vintage. The triumvirate of a buoyant growing season, polished tannins, and a poised fruit core confer upon this Margaux a stature worth noting alongside its distinguished ancestors.

The sage decision to harvest before Autumn rains could mar the berries’ splendour yielded a wine of both intensity and integrity. Underpinned by dark fruits that interlace with subtle floral hues, the 2015 Chateau Brane-Cantenac resonates with the poise of cassis and blackberry notes, savvily ensconced within an edifice of refined oak. The terroir’s legendary gravel beds have bestowed upon the currant and plum an earthy gravitas that both grounds and enhances the wine’s expressive bouquet.

 

A Vintage Worthy of Investment

To the investor as well as the connoisseur, this vintage evokes a compelling proposition—one where crafted longevity weds appreciating value. As one savours the entrancing dance of velvety vanilla and tobacco whispers against firm yet yielding tannins, it becomes eminently clear why the 2015 Chateau Brane-Cantenac should be an anchor in any collector's portfolio.

In sum, the nuanced tapestry woven by this exquisite Margaux represents an investment in complexity, elegance, and a distinguished pedigree that admirers of Bordeaux wines seek determinedly. Each sip unfurls like liquid velvet across the palate, leaving an indelible impression akin to finely inked script on parchment—a missive from vineyard to glass extolling the virtues of patience and foresight.

Current market price

£590.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

42.14

Scores and tasting notes

93-94

This is very big and rich wine with dense and rich tannins, lots of ripe fruit. Blackberry, blueberry flavors. Muscular yet polished.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com

93-95

The 2015 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère that was picked from 17 September until 7 October (that Carmenère was actually picked on 19 October). It was cropped at 51 hl/ha. This is classic Brane-Cantenac down the line: austere at first, almost aloof, but very well defined and over time it starts revealing lovely tobacco-stained black fruit. The palate is very well balanced with raspberry and wild strawberry on the entry, perhaps more red fruit than I was anticipating. Veins of undergrowth and cedar are in situ on this very well-balanced, reserved and classic Margaux boasting a long and persistent finish that feels satisfying, reassuring even. Not a Margaux for those that seek tons of fruit, it is nonetheless a very terroir-expressive wine that will repay those who know that this cru demands preferably 12-15 years in the cellar. Henri Lurton never wavers from his style of Margaux and it pays dividends here on this great wine for those with patience.

Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016

93

One of a line-up of impressive Margaux in 2015, Brane-Cantenac is at its most textured and well balanced here. The bramble, cedar wood and blackcurrant flavours are complemented by attractive oak, medium weight tannins and vibrant, palate-cleansing acidity. Drink: 2022-32

Tim Atkin - timatkin.com

90-93

This has a mix of enticing dark plum and blueberry fruit woven with a solid graphite note and carrying through an alder-edged finish. Has the vintage’s velvety feel, but a little extra cut.—J.M.

Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com

92

The 2015 Brane-Cantenac is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of crushed black berries and chocolate-covered cherries with touches of fried herbs and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, refreshing and elegant in the mouth, with chewy tannins, it has an herbal lift on the finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018

17.5

Exceptionally deep crimson. Meat and wild flowers on the nose - very interesting. Definitely out of the ordinary. Left-field wine that should not disappoint. Racy and lifted. Really very elegant. Chapeau!

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance