2000 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
Based on 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc and aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 2000 Château Brane-Cantenac offers brilliant aromatics of ripe currants, sappy spring flowers, and spicy wood in just a complex, nuanced, floral profile. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length. It's drinking brilliantly today, with tons of character and charm, yet clearly has another 15+ of prime drinking. Drink 2026-2041. The 2000 was harvested from September 25 to October 8, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.81.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. 46 hl/ha. The only Brane vintage ever produced without any press wine. Fairly youthful colour. Purer fruit with creaminess and substance. Quality of tannin much improved compared with the previous vintages. Still has grip and persistence. Ready but will continue to age. (JL)
The 2000 Brane-Cantenac represents the only vintage that eschewed any vin de presse due to a meticulous selection. This has a gorgeous bouquet that blossoms in the glass: a mélange of red and black fruit vie for attention as an underlying mineralité lends more dimension that previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins, perhaps just a little spicier than previous vintage. Cohesive with decent body on the finish, this has mellowed in recent years and attained more sophistication. The 2000 is classic in style and approaching its peak. Excellent. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
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.