Brane Cantenac 2015 (5.0L)

97 WCI / 96 VM / 96 DE / 96 WE / 96 JA / 94 JD / 94 JS / 94 WA / 94 WI / 18 JR

Already incredible to drink, the wine is concentrated, rich, sensuous, and packed with layers of fruit that does not quit. Even though it is early days, it is difficult not to be seduced by the complex aromatics and if that does not grab you, the velvet-textured opulence in the finish will. If you prefer exuberant, youthful fruits, with decadent textures, and a finish packed with fruit and glycerin, try a bottle now, If you desire more secondary notes, wait a few more years. Either way, this is a superb wine and a clear candidate for the best vintage of Brane Cantenac ever produced! Drink from 2024-2055.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

The 2015 Brane-Cantenac is powerful, structured and explosive in feel. A deep, resonant wine, the 2015 boasts off the charts ripeness allied to formidable structure and tannic heft. I imagine the 2015 is going to need a number of years to become approachable and more than that to be at its best. The dark stone fruit, smoke, tobacco, spice and leather flavors pack a huge punch, but it is the wine's balance that places it among the elite on the Left Bank in 2015. Brane-Cantenac is a total pleasure bomb. I can't wait to taste it with a little bottle age. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Right from the attack this has beautiful intensity and focus, with tannins covered by a layer of silk. A dash of violet and white pepper comes in from the Carmenère and Cabernet Franc two-step (from now on you can expect this partnership to appear more regularly). This is frankly delicious, the generous berry fruits reverberating with some wonderful notes of coffee bean and charcoal smoke, outlined by a mouthwatering minerality. A step up in poise and texture from the 2014. 39% of production. - Decanter

Rich, fruity and with great potential, this ripe wine is also dense with firm tannins. Its juicy fruits are a part of a package with the concentrated tannins and smoky wood flavors that allow for long aging. This is an impressive wine from one of the Margaux properties owned by the Lurton family. Drink from 2025.--Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Delivers intensity and focus from the first moment, this is poised, generous in the shape of the vintage but restrained in the shape of the estate. Violet and peony flowers, white pepper spice, cocoa bean, espresso notes, cassis, black cherry and smoked earth. A wonderful example of Margaux in this vintage, should really be left for another few years, but who am I to stand in your way if you want to drink it now with a good long carafe? 39% of total production, owner Henri Lurton.-Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2015 Château Brane-Cantenac checks in as a mix of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Carmenere brought up in roughly 75% new French oak. This medium to full-bodied beauty excels on all accounts and gives up gorgeous notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil, spice and hints of toasted bread. Polished, impeccably balanced, concentrated, and with ripe tannin, it’s a rock star in 2015 that can be drunk young or cellared for 20-25 years. Bravo! - Jeb Dunnuck

Quite impressive ripe dark plums and blackberries with sweet, earthy depth and cedary background oak on the nose. The palate has smooth, slick tannins that carry rich dark fruit long and fresh. This has terrific energy and depth. Really vibrant. Incredible length. Drink from 2022. - James Suckling

The 2015 Brane-Cantenac is made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenere. Deep garnet-purple colored, it storms out with powerful notes of blackberry pie, blueberry compote, and kirsch, plus suggestions of cardamom, menthol, lavender, and roses, plus a hint of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is finely textured with great freshness and lots of perfume on the long finish.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The 2015 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carménère. As usual, this Margaux takes a little time to open up in the glass, eventually revealing scents of blackberry, cedar, mint and a light sprinkling of pencil shavings. That minty element becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine line of acidity. I adore the harmony and texture of this Brane-Cantenac: very svelte and silky on the surface but underneath there is backbone and very fine focus. The finish has a touch of chalkiness, quite saline in the mouth with a long, persistent finish. What an outstanding Margaux this is going to be although like many great vintages it will require several years in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2023 - 2050. - Neal Martin

Tasted blind. Shiny deep crimson. Pretty smart and intense on the nose. Rather subtle and glorious. Very difficult to spit because it’s so suave and layered. Good freshness and so active under the aroma. Meaty but not at all reduced. Complete. - Jancis Robinson