1994 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
Currants, smoky tobacco, spice, underbrush, and dried flowers all emerge from the 1994 Château Brane-Cantenac, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc that was aged 18 months in 70% new French oak. Spring frost affected yields, followed by a hot summer and rainy September. Medium-bodied, it has a pretty, pure, layered mouthfeel, with ripe tannins, rock-solid balance, and a charming, delicious style. We're clearly in the old wine category, but this is satisfying, balanced, and enjoyable. Drink up. Drink 2026-2028. The 1994 was harvested from September 15 to 29, hitting 12.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.81.
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Average Score
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Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. 35.2 hl/ha. Orange-brick hue. A semblance of brambly fruit but diffuse and green-edged. Some sweetness and substance on the palate but a drying finish. Rustic and raw. (JL)
The 1994 Brane-Cantenac is marginally better on the nose than the previous two vintages, with just a touch more fruit…but there is still a conspicuous shortfall with damp earth and red brick aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, sour cherry and white pepper, a touch of VA nagging away at the back of the throat. There is just a bit more depth on the finish than the 1993, but this is still not a vintage that I would cellar much longer. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
The colour is holding well, a soft but vivid tawny rose, gentle waves of campfire and tobacco leaf on the aromatics, underpinned by peony. On the palate, this falls a little soft on the finish, with cumin and cardamom spices dominant rather than fruit, although there is still balance and finesse. The third in the trio of challenging vintages (after a frost-impacted 1991), here with a great summer followed by a rainy September. Harvest September 15 to 29, 35hl/h yield, 3.81ph. In the vineyard this year, there were serious drainage works going on, with ploughing reintroduced on the Brane plateau, and trellising raised across the estate. Henri Lurton owner, Jacques Boissenot consultant.
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.