This afternoon’s release was greeted with delight in the office – “now that’s proper pricing” was the consensus from the room.
This is your straight-down-the-line classic Brane-Cantenac, unashamedly classic in style, what you might call “good old fashioned claret.”… my remarks reflect how this Margaux blossoms in bottle. Neal Martin
We wholeheartedly agree with this; if you are looking for a wine with pedigree, class and poise, then this is a must buy in our book, based on both price and quality.
Henri Lurton’s wines are often overlooked in the scrum of the primeur tastings. Quiet and unassuming, Henri doesn’t believe in making wines just for the circus. His is the traditional view, that great Cru Classé, and in particular the wines of Margaux, should be made for aging. His refined and yet structured 2014 is the epitome of this philosophy; it will reward cellarage and has the potential to make very good old bones, with huge character and extraordinary balance.
2014 Ch Brane-Cantenac 2eme Cru Margaux
£310.00 per 12 In Bond
Henri Lurton’s fine estate is so often overlooked, but history shows this has as good an aging potential as any wine in the Médoc. A really superb example, not flashy in any way, but wonderfully pure and defined. As always it has great balance and poise, with subtle blackcurrant fruits, structured tannins and is deliciously understated all round. A must buy in my book, based on both price and quality. Drink 2022-2037
Score: 91-93. David Roberts MW
The Château Brane-Cantenac 2014 is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, representing 38% of the total crop. It was picked between 22 September commencing with the Merlot up until 9 October finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields came in at 44.8 hectoliters per hectare. It has a very typical nose for this Margaux estate: understated and reserved at first, touches of ground-up stone intermixed with brambly red berry fruit and damp undergrowth scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is moderate weight in the mouth, plenty of sous-bois character and a touch of graphite (Ã la Pauillac) leading to a tapered but sustained finish. This is your straight-down-the-line classic Brane-Cantenac, unashamedly classic in style, what you might call “good old fashioned claret.” Never the beauty queen at primeur, my remarks reflect how this Margaux blossoms in bottle.
Score: 91/93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (218)
A solid core of fruit here with lots of cabernet character, as well as currants and blueberries. Full to medium body. Chewy tannins, yet polished and refined.
Score: 92-93 James Suckling
The 2014 Brane-Cantenac is a striking, wonderfully complex wine with a lot going on. Powerful at the outset yet also quite floral almost to the point of being exotic, the 2014 is certainly not lacking in nuance or personality. Hints of orange peel, mint, white flowers and berries open up gradually in a wine of understatement. The firm tannins add energy and convey an overall impression of classicism, while tobacco, iron and smoke punctuate the powerful, expressive finish. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow over the coming years and decades.
Score: 90/93 Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com
A very pretty nose is spiked with juicy oak and berries and it relaxes into a sleek, well-balanced palate and a long, even finish. This is a well made wine and one which is almost in true balance. The blackberry theme is mouth-watering and the finish is savoury and not harsh. Well made and in need of a few years to soften this wine could warrant another half a point if it manages to build its flavours as the tannins melt. I am not usually a fan, but 2014 Brane-Cantenac shows a decent degree of flair.
Score: 17+ Matthew Jukes
Lovely fragrance, the class evident from start to the finish. Very Brane-Cantenac: floral, great finesse, elegant persistence and a good future. Drink: 2019-2034
Score: 91 Decanter Magazine