2017 Chateau Brane-Cantenac
By Chateau Brane-Cantenac
The 2017 Chateau Brane-Cantenac from Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, Bordeaux
In the illustrious tapestry of Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation, the 2017 vintage of Chateau Brane-Cantenac represents a particularly vibrant thread. This year's narrative, sculpted by climatic challenges, resulted in wines that display an engaging combination of resilience and charm.
The Essence of Mastery: 2017 Vintage Unveiled
Navigating through spring frosts, which shaped much of Bordeaux in 2017, Chateau Brane-Cantenac emerged with a poised and focused offering. This vintage epitomises the winemaker's adeptness; a testament to rigorous selection and deft oenological practice. It was a year where precision in the vineyard translated to distinction within the bottle.
The Symphony of Terroir and Time
On the palate, the 2017 vintage articulates an expression of controlled opulence, presenting an elegant tannic structure cradling lush blackberry and cassis notes, harmonised with hints of violet and polished wood from its time in oak. The season's relatively cooler temperatures impart an undercurrent of freshness throughout the tasting experience, suggesting longevity for this exquisitely structured wine.
Investors should note that while more opulent vintages may frequently overshadow those like 2017, it is precisely this vintage’s subtlety and grace that could make it one to watch as it matures. The art lies not only in recognising potential at its peak but in identifying serenity amidst the storms. It whispers rather than shouts, capturing an essence of Margaux elegance intrinsically linked to its terroir.
To conclude, one should regard the 2017 Chateau Brane-Cantenac as a sterling investment opportunity; its poised complexity serves as evidence that not all heroes—and indeed not all exemplary wines—wear capes. Some carry the restraint and quiet confidence that comes with mastery over tumultuous times. Here lies a wine aspiring to prove that "less" can certainly mean "more".
Current market price
£483.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
37.15
Scores and tasting notes
Dark currant, berry and fresh herb character. Full-bodied, juicy and flavorful. Very structured. Solid finish and length. Better than 2014?
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Brane-Cantenac starts off a tad restrained and reluctant to show, opening out to notes of baked blackberries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of cigar box and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wearing a lot of muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length. Needs time!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
The 2017 Brane-Cantenac was picked from 14 September to 2 October at 31.2hl/ha after frost destroyed 35% of the vines in April. It is matured in 75% new oak and 25% one-year old and it has 13% alcohol. It has a tightly wound bouquet with broody black fruit, tar and a touch of graphite, very Pauillac in style as usual. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very linear and precise, not a deep Margaux and unashamedly classic in style with dry, slightly brusque tannin. The finish is dominated by tobacco and pencil lead notes with healthy pinch of pepper on the aftertaste. Classic Brane-Cantenac through and through. Tasted on three occasions.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
A light singed alder hint leads the way here, along with light bay leaf and savory notes, while the core of gently steeped black cherry and plum fruit fills in slowly. Shows modest intensity through the finish but the flavors knit nicely.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
The 2017 Brane-Cantenac opens with a good burst of fruit, but then loses some intensity in its mid-palate and finish as the tannins clamp down on the fruit. In this tasting, the 2017 comes across as a bit slender. Some of that may be attributable to the relatively high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (74%) in the blend. Two thousand seventeen is also the first vintage to include Petit Verdot. All those details aside, the 2017 is an attractive Brane-Cantenac built on persistence.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18