Chateau Brane Cantenac 2023

Château Brane-Cantenac 2023 is a remarkably sophisticated and elegant French red wine hailing from the Margaux appellation. Visually displaying a deep dark cherry color with bright ruby highlights, it opens with a highly complex and perfumed bouquet featuring wild blackberries, ripe cassis, dark cherry, and orange peel, seamlessly layered with dried herbs, crushed stone minerals, espresso, and delicate floral nuances of violet and rose petals. On the palate, it exhibits a medium-to-full body with svelte, velvety tannins and a vibrant, driving core of energetic acidity. Elegant, refined, and precise, it delivers layered red and black fruit flavors interwoven with graphite, cigar box spice, and cacao, culminating in a long, harmonious, and finely structured finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs superbly with roasted rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast, prime ribeye steak, braised veal shanks, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

97 Points - James Suckling

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot (which saw some saignée), 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère and 1% Petit Verdot, and it completed its malolactic fermentation in barrels as has been the rule at this estate since the 1990s. Offering up aromas of dark cherries, cassis and spices framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a creamy core of fruit and a long, gently lactic finish.