2021 Chateau Brane-Cantenac - 2eme Cru Classe Margaux

Decanter.com – 95 pts – GH: *A dark seductive nose, liquorice, sweet and sticky with a real depth to the aromatics, black chocolate and perfumed blackcurrants - that glamour that Margaux does so well. High acid here, crunchy fruit with bite and ample appeal. This is a little high-toned still, with the focus on the mineral, slightly austere sides to the bright and youthful strawberry fruit with toasted wood edges. Tannins are so supple and integrated however, they give a plumpness but this is still quite a linear wine, with such tension and drive - it's tightly-knitted no doubt but has the most gorgeous herbal Cabernet elements on the fresh finish which I totally love. You get understated power, this feels well controlled, sophisticated and totally delectable. What a lovely 2021. Eric Boissenot consultant. 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère complete the blend. 3.66pH.* - 04/2022

Falstaff Magazin – 94 pts – PM: *Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Ockerrandaufhellung. Feinwürzig, schwarze Beerenfrucht, ein Hauch von Edelholz, zart nach Lakritze. Komplex, straff, kühle Stilistik, feine Tannine, frisch, lebendig, sehr präzise und gut anhaftend, ein sehr gelungener Wein, der an die großen Klassiker des Medocs der »good old times« erinnert.* - 05/2022

Vinum Magazin – 19/20 pts: *Sehr zurückhaltend, leicht ausbaugeprägt, dann blumig fruchtig; glasklarer Auftakt, langsame Entwicklung über Tanninen, die Tiefe vermitteln und Mineralität, grosse Länge und enorme Dichte; grossartiger Wein von transzendenter Klasse.*

WeinWisser – 18,5/20pts – GL, TW: *74 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 % Merlot, 2 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Carmenère, 1 % Petit Verdot, 11,35 % Presswein, 41 hl/ha, 12,7 Vol.-%. pH 3,66. Tiefgründiges royales Cabernet Sauvignon-Bouquet, edle Cassiswürze gepaart mit frisch gepflückten schwarzen Johannisbeeren, Brasiltabak, Schokopastillen und Fliedernoten. Am energiegeladenen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, balancierter Rasse, pfeffrigem Extrakt und engmaschigem Körper. Im konzentrierten Finale Wildkirsche, tiefschürfende Terroirwürze und erhabene Adstringenz. Ein grandioser Margaux, (fast) so gut wie der 2019er – nur in einer klassischen Ausrichtung!* – 04/2022

JancisRobinson.com – 16+/20pts – TP: *74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère, 1% Petit Verdot. Mid-deep ruby. Cherry wood, iris and red plum on the nose here – there is a hint of greenness but one that brings a classicism to the wine rather than stalky underripeness. The palate is direct and linear, with cool fruit at the core propped up by persistent, fine tannins. Chalky on the finish, it will need a few years to relax and integrate but this should drink well in the medium term.* - 11/2023

Vinous.com – (93-96) pts – AG: *The 2021 Brane-Cantenac notably marries fruit intensity with energy and structure. There is an exotic richness to the 2021 that is impossible to miss. Kirsch, red plum, blood orange, cinnamon, new leather and spice all meld together. The 2021 is bold, sumptuous and alluring. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. The oak needs to fully integrate, but that is what élevage is for. Brane-Cantenac was impressive on both occasions I tasted it.* - 04/2022

Vinous.com – (92-94) pts – NM: *The 2021 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 23 until October 7 at a respectable 41.2hL/ha and aged 100% new oak. It has a fragrant nose of dark red fruit, undergrowth, pencil box and light minty scents, understated at first but opening up nicely in the glass (it always requires patience). The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh as a daisy, displaying impressive tension. This focused, precise Brane-Cantenac conveys a great deal of harmony. The tensile, graphite finish lingers long in the mouth. While not quite reaching the lofty heights of "peak Brane,” this is a very commendable and quite cerebral wine for the vintage.* - 04/2022

Thewinecellarinsider.com – 94 pts – JL: *Tobacco, roses, currants and bouquet garni kick off the perfume. The wine is soft, fresh, medium-bodied, and quite charming, as well as vibrant, finishing with a touch of spice on top of all the sweet red fruits you find on the backend. You will be able to enjoy this on release. The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere 12.7% ABV. The harvest took place September 23-October 7. Drink from 2023-2050 93-95.* - 05/2022