1971 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
The 1971 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 30 to October 17. It has a respectable bouquet considering the age and the vintage, which favored the Right Bank. Vestiges of red berry fruit intermingle with soy and sage. It is undeniably a little rustic but there is decent vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with a light frame of tannin, a little smudged and missing some clarity, though there is appreciable weight and tension on the finish. This is probably the best bottle I have encountered. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château .
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Served blind at the château, the 1971 Brane-Cantenac replicated its performance back in 2011. No, it's not a great vintage. That is clear from the lightweight nose with touches of soy infusing the tart red cherry fruit, rustic and a bit broad-shouldered. However, the palate is balanced, quite simple but fresh with that sandalwood note appearing towards the structured finish, which demonstrated initial stages of dryness. Therefore, I would not leave it any longer, but it remains a creditable wine from a difficult vintage. Tasted April 2015.
Served blind at the chateau, the 1971 Brane-Cantenac replicated its performance back in 2011. No, it's not a great vintage. That is clear from the lightweight nose with touches of soy infusing the tart red cherry fruit, rustic and a bit broad-shouldered. However, the palate is balanced, quite simple but fresh with that sandalwood note appearing towards the structured finish, which demonstrated initial stages of dryness. Therefore, I would not leave it any longer, but it remains a creditable wine from a difficult vintage. Tasted April 2015. Dec 2016, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Château Brane-Cantenac has been a consistent performer in the Margaux wine appellation since Henri Lurton took over the property, but thanks to replanting and investment in the last decade, quality has seen another sharp upswing.