| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Henri Lurton, the proprietor here, has been working to improve quality in the vineyard with regrafting of Merlot to high quality Cabernet Sauvignon as they look to keep freshness and structure in the wines. The vineyard is now planted with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% split between Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Recent vintages have been outstanding and this property is now producing the best wines in Margaux behind the superstars of Châteaux Margaux, Palmer and Rauzan Ségla. Grand Vin quality is kept high by the production of a very good second wine "Baron de Brane" and a third wine "Margaux de Brane". In 2000 the encepagement here was 50:50 Cabernet / Merlot. Nowadays there is much more Cabernet Sauvignon in the grand vin.
The 2025 was produced from a yield of 32.2 hl/ha and only 40% of the crop will go into the grand vin. There will be 20% second label Baron de Brane (which is 59% Merlot) and 40% third label Margaux de Brane or sold in bulk. It is made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon (the second highest percentage ever), 18% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère. ABV 13.3% with maturation in 80% new oak. Henri Lurton told us that stylistically he sees this as being like a hypothetical blend of the 2016 and 2020 vintages.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère (the latter harvested by the winery team after everything else has been picked), the 2025 Brane-Cantenac offers up a rich bouquet of crème de cassis, plums and spices, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and lively, with powdery tannins that contribute youthful grip on the finish, it checks in at a very classical 13.3% alcohol and pH of 3.62.
The 2025 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 2 to 29, finishing with that 1% of late-ripening Carménère, cropped at 32.2 hl/ha. It has impressive purity on the nose, an aspect of the Grand Vin that Henri Lurton and his team have improved immensely over the last decade. Black cherries, bilberry, violet and crushed stone unfold in the glass, classical in style, which is Brane-Cantenac's signature. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, finely sculpted tannins allied with disarming sapidity and brightness. Not powerful like the 2022, yet pixelated with a mineral, tensile, complex finish. Another feather in the cap for Lurton and, moreover, this is often one of the best values on release. 2032 - 2060
Deep in colour with an alluring array of cassis, fragrant wood spice and tangy fresh fruit lift, this has an enticing nose. The palate follows with an impressive core of fruit that expands as it warms in the glass - this is refined but appealing, with ripe, persistent tannins adding savour and moreish bite, tangy acids and layered, vibrant fruit. Another impressive showing from this consistent overperformer, the 2025 is one followers of this property will greatly enjoy, a harmonious wine with a real sense of place.
A medium-bodied and solid red with blackberry, chocolate, meat and walnut character. It shows juicy tannins and a long finish. Persistent and classy. Such length and balance.
This is luscious and full of wonderfully bright fruits, great concentration, cushion of air underneath, high Cabernet and it comes through in the floral aromatics, clearly a plentiful tannic structure but luscious and layered damson and black cherry. Yes yes yes. 12.10% press wine. 3.62 pH. Tasted twice. 100 years of the Lurtons at Brane. 2036-2055.
The 2025 Brane-Cantenac is incredibly polished right out of the gate. Floral overtones lead into a core of blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, tobacco, lavender and a kiss of French oak. Silky tannins lend shape and finesse. The aromatics alone are so compelling, but everything about the 2025 speaks to balance. It’s a magnificent effort from proprietor Henri Lurton and his team. One of the highlights of the vintage. 2035-2065
