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Brane Cantenac 2003

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

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Label

Tasting Notes

Fully mature and beginning to tire ever so slightly, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc represents only 41% of the production because of tiny yields of 31.3 hectoliters per hectare as well as the selection process of Henri Lurton. Aromas of burning embers, scorched earth and sweet blackberry and black currant fruit emerge from this cuvee. It is an easygoing, fully mature 2003 that has come of age much quicker than I expected. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Drink 2014-2016

88
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (214), August 2014
89/91
James Suckling, Wine Spectator (April 04), April 2004

Mid to pale crimson. A baked/burnt nose. Lightweight palate – really quite delicate fruit and then fiercely drying tannins. I don’t think 2003 is an ideal vintage for typical Margaux estates! I can’t quite see how this is ever going to come into perfect balance. The fruit is just not intense enough to stand up to the tannins.

15.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, February 2008

Moderately rich; sweet, delicate, scented and refined Cabernet flavour and fine, scented length. Stylish Margaux.

16
Michael Schuster, The World of Fine Wine (1), April 2004
Read more tasting notes...

This is another Margaux estate that has become re-energized and is now producing wines consistent with its 150-year-old classification. The dark plum/ruby-colored 2003's stunning aromatics include flamboyant notes of plums, cedar, burning embers, and dried herbs. Full-bodied, elegant, layered, and rich, yet filled with finesse and delicacy, it is surprisingly soft, round, and gentle. While appealing at present, it will evolve for 15-18 years.

91
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (164), April 2006
90/93
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (158), April 2005

While displaying vegetal elements in its aromas as well as a superficial palate, this medium-bodied Margaux does offer elegant, earthy, red and blue fruit notes intermixed with earthy/foresty floor characteristics. Cleanly made, attractive, and charming, it is a lightweight 2003 that will drink well for 7-9 years.

85/88
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (152), April 2004
15.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (April 04), April 2004
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.