2023 Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux Grand Cru Classé

Château Brane-Cantenac Winery

Château Brane-Cantenac is a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé from Margaux and has been run by Henri Lurton since 1992. The estate boasts vineyards on the renowned Brane plateau, known for its deep, gravelly soils with excellent drainage. The estate's style focuses on precision, elegance, and terroir expression, with Cabernet Sauvignon as its backbone. In the vineyard, careful attention is paid to low yields and strict selection. In the cellar, a conscious choice is made for classic vinification with complete malolactic fermentation in barrel for the Grand Vin. More information about this winery can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Region and terroir

Brane-Cantenac lies in the heart of the Margaux region and benefits from one of the appellation's finest gravelly plateaus. These soils naturally restrict growth, producing wines with finesse, aromatic refinement, and characteristic tension. Through replanting and grafting Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate can now create a blend entirely from the best parts of the plateau, adding depth and volume to the mid-palate.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The 2023 vintage is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère, and 1% Petit Verdot. The relatively high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon underscores the estate's classic Margaux identity. In 2023, fruit set was abundant, prompting rigorous thinning to maintain concentration and balance. Some Merlot was saignée, adding structure and intensity to the final blend.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

Malolactic fermentation took place entirely in barriques, as has been the practice at Brane-Cantenac since the 1990s. Maturation for the Grand Vin takes place in 100% new oak barrels. This choice lends a creamy texture and a subtle lactic note in its youth, without sacrificing the precision of the fruit. The combination of high natural tannins in 2023 and full oak aging results in a wine with substantial structure and ageing potential.

Color, smell and taste

The 2023 displays a deep ruby red color with purple reflections. The nose opens with dark cherries, cassis, and ripe berries, followed by nuances of spices, dried herbs, and a subtle floral note of crushed flowers. The new oak is subtly integrated and gives a creamy impression without being overpowering.

On the palate, this Margaux combines richness with elegance. The mid-palate is fleshy and layered, with a core of dark red fruit, light vanilla notes, and a hint of blackcurrant. The tannins are pronounced and extend powerfully throughout the wine, yet remain fine-grained and precise. There is tension and energy, carried by fresh acidity, while the finish is long, structured, and slightly creamy. The balance between power and refinement gives the wine both immediate appeal and clear aging potential.

Drinking window and development

The professional ratings show different drinking windows. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate rated the wine 93-95 points. Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave it 94-96 points with an expected drinking window of 2033 to 2063. James Suckling rated the wine 97 points and recommends drinking from 2028 onwards. The wine clearly needs several years of bottle aging to reach its full potential and will then continue to develop for decades.

Summary of professional reviews

The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is unanimously considered one of the stronger wines of the year in Margaux, with scores reaching 97 points. The wine is praised for its combination of elegance and structure, its refined tannins, and the perfect integration of 100% new oak. It is described as a sensual, silky Margaux with depth, energy, and exceptional length. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.