Chateau Brane-Cantenac 2012, Margaux 2nd Growth
Tasting Team’s understanding of Brane-Cantenac comes from the frist vertical tasting(1996 to 2006) and the second vertical tasting (2000 to 2012), both hosted by Owner Henri Lurton years back at the KCC Wine Society. Given by the ripe and generous temperament of vintage 2012, Brane-Cantenac 2012 is still capricious by nature. It becomes genial in the next round, after long breathing. The attack is full and powerful to start with, leading into a highly structured mid-palate. The finish is long, leathery and licorice. The last drop gives a smooth, silky, feminine tenderness. Poignant. Of true Cantenac character.
The gravel slopes of Chateau Brane-Cantenac are among the highest in all the appellation. They are a fairly uniform depth of 30 to 36 feet. Composition is 60% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% cabernet franc. Oak treatment: 18 months, using 60% new French oak. Vintage 2012 is already drinking very well now. It is one of the 15 Second Growth, from the Margaux Cantenac. Really, scores are very consistent and great.
The leading ones and comments are:
94 points Wine Enthusiast
With marked acidity as well as black fruits, this is a wine with weight and richness. It has a dark core of firm tannins, although the aftertaste maintains the juiciness. (4/2013)
93 points Wine Spectator
Plush, with a legitimate structure buried in the core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit. A warm stone note lurks in the background. Well-rendered. (4/2013)
92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A beauty from Henri Lurton, the 2012 Brane Cantenac exhibits classic notes of spring flowers intermixed with black raspberries, black currants and damp forest floor. This medium-bodied, sweet, ripe, quintessentially elegant, medium-bodied Margaux is nicely concentrated as well as sexy. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years. (4/2013)
93 points James Suckling
A wine with currant and berry character. Full body, with chewy tannins that are polished and juicy. Solid core of fruit yet harmonious for the vintage. Like it better than 2011. (4/2013)
