Brane Cantenac 1961 (1.5L)

Tasted at the chateau with Henri Lurton. Having had the 1961 Brane-Cantenac once before, my hopes were not astronomical since it never made a positive impression. However, this ex-chateau bottle is totally convincing. It has a mature hue. The nose is utterly compelling with black fruits, early grey, peppermint and violets with wonderful delineation and lift. The palate is divine: succinct balance and poise, touches of tea leaf and bay leaf inflecting the finish that has great depth and such fine tannins that blind, I would suspect this to be Château Margaux. Not as great as Palmer 1961, but just a fantastic mature Claret that is at point. Tasted April 2010. Neal Martin-The Wine Advocate