2014 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
Sweet, slightly scratchy fruit on the nose. Clean. Some purity here. And initially very clean and poised in the mouth. Not much wrong with this at all. Some Margaux silkiness and some structure. Good wine. Joss Fowler, FINE+RARE, April 2015.
Critic scores
Average Score
FINE+RARE
Tim Atkin MW
More reviews and scores
A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc that was aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 2014 Château Brane-Cantenac is a much more Cabernet-driven style in its cassis and currant fruits as well as leafy herbs, graphite, and lead pencil nuances. It's nicely textured, medium-bodied, and has notable purity of fruit and ripe tannins. This classic, focused Margaux will continue drinking beautifully for another 20-30 years. Drink 2026-2056. The 2014 was harvested from September 22 to October 17, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.63.
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 44.8 hl/ha. Crimson hue. Fresh and expressive on the nose with dark fruit to the fore. Round, supple and caressing on attack, the tannins fine and integrated. Clean, long finish. Not quite among the top years but harmonious and has all the necessary components. Probably good value. (JL)
The 2014 Brane-Cantenac marked the arrival of a new vineyard manager, Pierre Auché. This has a lively, pretty and charming bouquet with redcurrant and wild strawberry scents bursting from the glass. Fine delineation. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins and decent concentration considering the vintage. Black pepper and cedar notes emerge towards the grippy finish. Maybe it lacks the refinement of the best vintages, but at 11 years old it is beginning to drink well and should for another 15 years. Very fine. 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.