Brane Cantenac 2017

Deep crimson. Complex aroma that pulls together black olive as well as sweet spice and cassis leaf and fruit. Creamy texture, nicely balanced, lightish and elegant with a juicy finish. Drink 2022-2032

Fragrant and fresh the nose has spring violets the start of the palate bramble. There is mid sweetness fleshy and supple the tannins are fine sweet at the back with freshness on the finish. Drink 2023-2034.

Dark, deep, full-bodied and rather shocking, in this lighter-framed vintage, this is a spicy, oaky wine but the fruit can support it. This is impressive work from a Château that is starting to hit a vein of form.

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! 2022 - 2038

The 2017 Brane-Cantenac has a typical Pauillac inspired bouquet with scents of clove and undergrowth infusing the black fruit. It is not the most powerful bouquet in recent years but it feels fresh and typical of the property. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, well judged acidity, pretty with tart red berry fruit, judicious sprinkling of spice with a sappy, classically styled finish. It will be an easier drinking Brane-Cantenac that could be broached after four or five years. 2023 - 2039

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. Drink 2022-2040.

Dark currant, berry and fresh herb character. Full-bodied, juicy and flavorful. Very structured. Solid finish and length. Better than 2014?

A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Brane-Cantenac is deep garnet-purple colored. It skips out with cheerful black raspberries, Morello cherries, and warm cassis notes, plus hints of dried flowers, unsmoked cigars, and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate has great intensity with just enough freshness and a firm backbone of grainy tannins, finishing long and well-poised.