2009 Ch. Brane-Cantenac, Margaux

Ripe and succulent with the lovely perfume of great Margaux, this is concentrated but fresh, supple but structured, and very, very harmonious. Beautifully balanced and with great poise, this wears its 60% new oak like a glove. Henri Lurton mentioned that in 2009 the grape juice before fermentation was so fragrant that the vat room was already then full of the smell of blackberries and raspberries. This certainly translates in the wine; it is a very fine achievement.

Fine purple red, beautifully fragrant Cabernet nose, lovely expression of Margaux fruit, textured and dense, lifted and distinctive, both fleshy and classy, long and harmonious, very good.
(Steven Spurrier - Decanter - Apr 2010)

Scented and sweet. Rather a heady perfume. Then sweet and sour on the palate – not especially harmonious or integrated, and there is some greenness about the acidity. Serviceable rather than thrilling.
(Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com - Apr 2010)

Only 37% of the production made it in to the 2009 Brane Cantenac (slightly lower than most properties because the fruit was so good). This is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, with a pH of 3.87 and finished alcohol of 13.2%. It is another offering that reveals no evidence of wood even though 70% new oak barrels were utilized.

A dense plum/purple color is followed by a lovely perfume of flowers, boysenberries, black cherries, and black currants. Seamless in the mouth with stunning concentration, a seductive style, an exquisite Margaux delicacy, and levels of richness and intensity I have never before seen in Brane Cantenac, it should drink effortlessly for 30+ years. (Tasted four times.)
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - April 2010)

Blueberries with a chalky, mineral undertone on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. New wood already showing strong. Not giving much.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - Apr 2010)