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Brane Cantenac 2008

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

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Brane Cantenac

Label

Tasting Notes

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.

92
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194), May 2011

The 2008 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 28% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 70% Cabernet Sauvignon. There remains that eucalyptus tincture that I have picked up on previous bottles, though here it is less pronounced, possibly receding with time? It has a classic, rather austere bouquet that would have benefitted from more fruit intensity, although there is a sense of freshness, attractive mint and cedar aromas emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fresh line of acidity. There is a faint touch of peppermint that comes through towards the finish as it gently grips the mouth, a Brane-Cantenac probably just approaching its drinking window. Whilst it might be a step behind the following two vintages, this is a fine Margaux for those who desire a slightly more austere yet still delicious and quite complex Claret. 2020 - 2040

90
Neal Martin, vinous.com, February 2018

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.

15.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 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.

90/93
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (182), April 2009

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.

89
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (228), December 2016
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.