2007 Ch. Brane-Cantenac, Margaux

Despite the most difficult vintage in the last 10 years according to Henri Lurton, Brane-Cantenac have produced a highly attractive, feminine, early-drinking Margaux in 2007. With more Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) than usual in the blend, only a minuscule 25% of the crop made it into the Grand Vin, showing the sacrifice required to succeed in this tricky year. An attractive nose of ripe strawberries and chocolate leads on to a sophisticated raspberry and cream palate with a lovely racy, fruit-driven finish. With a finesse reminiscent of top Burgundy, this classic, well-crafted Margaux is as good value as ever.

Deep purple-red, quite restrained blackcurrant nose, but shows depth and breed, classy extraction of Margaux elegance, poised and sophisticated and will blossom out to gain fruit and complexity.
Steven Spurrier