2007 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 2007 Château Brane-Cantenac offers black fruits, graphite, crushed stone, leather, and scorched earth notes that give it a darker, more austere style. It's medium-bodied on the palate, has good concentration and reasonably ripe tannins, yet stays tight, focused, and narrow. It's ripe but still holds things close to its vest, and I doubt that will change. Drink 2026-2036. The 2007 was harvested from September 21 to October 12, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.79.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. 51.9 hl/ha. Pale garnet with brick at the rim. Juicy but light, short and simple. Touch of green on the finish. Luncheon claret. Drink up now. (JL)
The 2007 Brane-Cantenac coincides with the year that Henri Lurton repurchased 45 hectares from his siblings, Edwige and Thierry, and planted Carménère. It has a pleasant though uncomplicated nose of black cherries, rosewater, leather and a touch of five spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasant piquancy on the entry, giving way to red berry fruit mixed with espresso and brown spices. I feel the winery shaping this Brane-Cantenac towards the finish, and consequently it just misses the charm of the previous vintage. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
Love the floral edge, peony and iris curling out of the glass, totally charming, well placed tannins, this has momentum and lilting freshness, crunchy black and red fruits, blueberry, raspberry, tobacco leaf, understated as so many of the smaller vintages are, without sacrificing drinkability, with a mouthwatering finish. Harvest September 21 to October 12, yield 51.8hl/h, 70% new French oak for ageing, At this point Henri Lurton became sole owner, buying out his brother and sister Thierry and Edwige. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner and estate director, Christophe Capdeville technical director.
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.