2010 Château Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, Bordeaux

Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the chteau, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose has completely shut down since I last tasted it and cannot compare with the aromatics of the 2009 at present. The palate is a truer indicator of the wine, because it races out of the blocks with its ripe, firm tannins, layers of mineral-rich black fruit with a tingle of spice on the animated finish. Here, it just shades the 2009. Both are sensational vintages for the estate, although I suspect this might have the edge in the longer term. This is a brilliant Margaux with a long future ahead. Tasted April 2015.Neil Martin - 28/12/2016

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac features bold scents of redcurrant jelly, kirsch and cassis plus nuances of forest floor, tree bark, fungi and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of bright, energetic fruit with a grainy texture and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.Drink 2020 - 2040Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2020)

Very dark and concentrated. Exotic nose with some spice and aromas of old-ladies’ handbags. Really rather rewarding on the nose but on the palate it seems a little too sweet and soft. Then becomes a bit green and astringent. Awkward, though there are interesting elements here. Should come right in the end. jancis_robinson_mw MW- jancis_robinson_mw.com 18 Apr 2011

Beautifully expressed Cabernet fruit, pure Margaux elegance that combines intensity and finesse, long flavours, excellent balance that shows up Brane's specific style.

A fresh, floral style, with violet and rose aromas followed by a mix of vibrant red currant and blackberry fruit. The dusty finish has good underlying acidity, keeping it racy. james_molesworth – The Wine Spectator – Mar 2011

With a gorgeously evolved, extremely complex bouquet of forest floor, spring flowers, lead pencil shavings and red and black currants, this full-bodied, dense, ruby/plum/purple-colored wine hits the palate with an opulent, fleshy, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and a very layered, profoundly concentrated style that is, at the same time, both powerful and sublime. This gorgeous wine from proprietor Andre Lurton will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring and evolve for 25-30 years. 95+ robert_parker- Wine Advocate- Feb 2013 After nearly two decades of mediocre performances, Brane Cantenac has been doing impressive work over the last decade. While the 2010 may not eclipse the 2009 or 2005, it is an exceptional wine from proprietor Henri Lurton. A dense purple color is accompanied by a floral-scented bouquet revealing notes of licorice, graphite and red as well as black currants. Layered, rich and concentrated, this impressively constructed, seamless Margaux has plenty of tannin, but it is buried under the extravagant fruit and glycerin. This rich, pure, authoritative 2010 should drink well young yet keep for 25-30+ years. 93-96 robert_parker- Wine Advocate- May 2011

This is dark and grippy, with charcoal, roasted bay and chestnut leaf notes fronting a muscular core of steeped black currant, loganberry and black cherry flavors. Taut plum pit and iron hints thread the finish, revealing a lingering charcoal note. Very solid and suited for aging. Best from 2015 through 2028. 10,000 cases made.james_molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2013)

Another estate that was starting to break out from the pack in 2010 and to carve out a name for itself. Here you can see why. Brilliant stuff, delicious layers of cassis, bilberry, touches of hawthorn and hedgerow giving plenty to sink your teeth into.jane_anson_mw, Decanter.com (Jan 2020)