Brane Cantenac 2010

Very dark and concentrated. Exotic nose with some spice and aromas of old-ladies' handbags. Really rather rewarding on the nose but on the palate it seems a little too sweet and soft. Then becomes a bit green and astringent. Awkward, though there are interesting elements here. Should come right in the end.

It is very sweet fruited on the nose with lots of rich ripe feeling black fruits. The tannins although firm do not overpower the fruit allowing the mix of cassis and bramble to fill out the back palate.

Beautifully expressed Cabernet fruit, pure Margaux elegance that combines intensity and finesse, long flavours, excellent balance that shows up Brane's specific style. Drink 2016-30.

After nearly two decades of mediocre performances, Brane Cantenac has been doing impressive work over the last decade. While the 2010 may not eclipse the 2009 or 2005, it is an exceptional wine from proprietor Henri Lurton. A dense purple color is accompanied by a floral-scented bouquet revealing notes of licorice, graphite and red as well as black currants. Layered, rich and concentrated, this impressively constructed, seamless Margaux has plenty of tannin, but it is buried under the extravagant fruit and glycerin. This rich, pure, authoritative 2010 should drink well young yet keep for 25-30+ years.

Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose has completely shut down since I last tasted it and cannot compare with the aromatics of the 2009 at present. The palate is a truer indicator of the wine, because it races out of the blocks with its ripe, firm tannins, layers of mineral-rich black fruit with a tingle of spice on the animated finish. Here, it just shades the 2009. Both are sensational vintages for the estate, although I suspect this might have the edge in the longer term. This is a brilliant Margaux with a long future ahead. Tasted April 2015. Drink 2023-2045.

Tasted at the UGC tasting in London. The Brane-Cantenac has a nose of immense breeding: blackberry, mineral, subtle cedar notes and brilliant definition. It is one of those Brane vintages that nod towards Pauillac in terms of style and personality. The palate is medium-bodied with super-fine, tensile tannins. It is not a powerful Margaux, but it has fabulous precious and minerality and it glides effortlessly towards the silky finish. This is a superb wine from Henri Lurton and his team. Tasted November 2012.

Tasted on three occasions, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, raised in 70% new oak delivering 13.5% alcohol, the Brane-Cantenac 2010 has that trademark, very Pauillac style note, the Cabernet Sauvignon defining the nascent aromatics with graphite and cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fully ripe tannins, a little conservative on the entry but fanning out beautifully on the tightly wound mid-palate. Judicious use of the fleshy Merlot to balance out the Cabernet, composed and very harmonious towards the "classic" finish. Tasted April 2011.

Balanced and polished, with pretty tannins and an attractive fruit. Very elegant for the vintage. Lovely length to the wine

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac features bold scents of redcurrant jelly, kirsch and cassis plus nuances of forest floor, tree bark, fungi and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of bright, energetic fruit with a grainy texture and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 2020 - 2040