Chateau Brane-Cantenac 2007

Tasting Team's understanding of Brane-Cantenac comes from the first vertical tasting(1996 to 2006) and the second vertical tasting (2000 to 2012), hosted by Owner Henri Lurton years back at the KCC Wine Society. Given the ripe and generous temperament of vintage 2007, Brane-Cantenac 2007 is still inconsistent in the starting 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 nose is perfumy, and the finish is long, leathery and liquorice. Finally, the last drop gives a smooth, silky, feminine tenderness of true Cantenac character.

The gravel slopes of Chateau Brane Cantenac are among the highest within the appellation. They are a relatively uniform depth of 30 to 36 feet—Oak treatment: 18 months, using 60% new French oak. Vintage 2007 is already drinking very well. It is one of the 15 Second Growth, from the Margaux Cantenac. Scores are very consistent and significant, for example, RP91(Neal Martin), who writes:

"Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2007 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc matured in 60% new French oak. The nose is very entrancing and pure with floral, rose petal scents infusing the red berries, all very well defined and for the vintage, more generous than you would expect. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, crisp acidity, a gentle grip in the mouth with good body and persistence on the finish. Compared to the 2008, it is de facto that the 2007 has the upper hand and is a great success for the vintage. Tasted April 2015"