2023 Cantenac Brown

Dense purple/plum-hued, the 2023 Château Cantenac Brown is checks in as 71.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc that was aged 15 months in 60% new French oak. Solid, powerful aromatics of cassis and darker berries are supported by spicy wood, graphite, and sappy floral-like nuances. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has a nicely concentrated mouthfeel, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length. It's rock solid and brings impressive depth and richness in the vintage. Hide bottles for 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades. Drink 2029-2046.

The 2023 Cantenac Brown opens with gorgeous, captivating aromatics. Crushed flowers, dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and dried autumn leaves are some of the notes that grace this elegant, super-refined Grand Vin. This is the first vintage made in the new cellar, a facility equipped with twice as many tanks as the old winery, in different sizes that allow for smaller picks. The 2023 is a beautiful wine done in a new style for the château, one that showcases an added touch of finesse. Give this a few years to come into its own. Today, Cabernet tannins are a touch imposing.

The 2023 Cantenac Brown, clean, quite refined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and subtle violet scents, the oak neatly integrated and lending the aromatics focus. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, fine acidity, good tension and energy leading to a poised finish and a long aftertaste. Very promising and very sophisticated, this will give a couple of decades' drinking pleasure, possibly more.