Brane Cantenac - Margaux 2008

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe12/30/2016

Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2008 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The nose is quite striking with a tang of eucalyptus, a trait that Henri Lurton himself picked up when we tasted together. The palate is medium-bodied with a peppermint-tinged entry, the tannins quite thick and perhaps lacking the precision that Henri imparts into his Margaux wine nowadays. There is something not quite true to the style of Brane-Cantenac here, mimicking something it is not, trying to be a different person. It is an enjoyable wine but I would broach this in its youth. Tasted April 2015.

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/31/2011

This stunning, evolved, dark plum/ruby-hued 2008 reveals aromas of forest floor, sweet black and red currants, licorice and roasted herbs. Classic, elegant and medium to full-bodied, it provides a sexy, complex, intellectual as well as hedonistic turn-on. Drink this delicious Margaux over the next 12-15+ years. Drink 2011-2026

Wine Spectator

87 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2011

Tangy and fresh, with lilac and red currant flavors laced with sweet tobacco and a lively iron note on the finish. Drink now. 11,000 cases made.

Falstaff

85-87 / 100

the6/30/2009

WeinWisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe5/6/2009

Aufhellendes Granat mit bläulichen Reflexen. Würzig-pfeffriges Maulbeerbouquet, feiner Eukalyptushauch, dahinter Black Currant. Saftiger, sehr feiner Gaumen, geschliffene Gerbstoffe, hinterlässt etwas leicht Grünes, nicht störend, aber würzig. 2018 – 2032

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16.25 / 20

the4/30/2009

Comme souvent, je pourrais reprocher à Brane-Cantenac de ne pas mettre ses qualités aromatiques en exergue à cette époque de l'année. Son nez est trop discret et il varie d'un moment à l'autre des dégustations. Par contre, la bouche se présente avec une grande finesse de sève, une corpulence normale, un toucher haut de gamme, et une suavité en millieu de bouche qui fait plaisir à voir. La finale est tendre, mais aussi un peu vive.Vu la très forte proportion de cabernet sauvignon, vu le comportement du millésime 2006 en primeur et ce qu'il est devenu aujourd'hui, il est raisonnable de garder un oeil sur l'évolution de ce vin en cours d'élevage.

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2009

This is one of the most complex wines of the appellation, exhibiting notes of underbrush, sweet currants, cherries, and subtle touches of roasted herbs, incense, and spice box. It does not possess the power or depth of the 2005, and may not even eclipse the 2006, but it is a beautiful, pure, mid-weight, well-balanced, impeccably pure Margaux that should drink well for 15+ years.

La Revue du Vin de France

13,5-14,5 / 20

the4/29/2009

D'un caractère à la fois souple et tendre, Brane Cantenac 2008 apparaît comme un vin élégant et délicat. Cependant, il présente un léger creux en milieu de bouche et des tanins un peu accrocheurs en finale. L'ensemble manque de corps et de densité. Il sera agréable à boire dans sa jeunesse.

Jancis Robinson

15.50 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/16/2009

Looks a little pale and evolved with a pale rim. Fresh, mildly chocolatey nose. Sweet start – Cantenac Brown? [no!] Soft and easy with quite marked astringency. Fast fade. Drink 2012-19 15,5+

Wine Advocate

83-85 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2009

The nose is rather muted, underbrush, woody, very unresolved and I would have liked to have seen more fruit concentration. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp acidity, bitter cherry, redcurrant and sous-bois. Disjointed and rather pointed on the finish. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Tasted April 2009.

Decanter Magazine

17 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/14/2009

Good violet-red, fragrant wild roses, crushed fruit nose already showing elegance and complexity, quite lean fruit with florality and complexity, fine purity and length, very expressive Margaux Cabernets. Drink 2015-25.