Brane Cantenac 2014 Margaux

Brane Cantenac is one of my favourites from Margaux in Bordeaux. Part of the 1855 classification as a second growth it has managed to keep and improve their standards since Henri Lurton took over in 1992 (very bad vintage btw).

The harvest of 2014 took place between 22 September and finished on 17 October (my birthday :)) and approx 38% of the grapes were used for the Brane Cantenac. The mix this year was 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

70% of the wine spent 18 months in new french oak.

Two elements helped the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach the level of a great vintage in 2014 : the grapes grew less after the rain in the summer and they began ripening earlier. The extension of the ripening cycle, due to their growth stopping earlier than the Merlot, allowed them to benefit magnificently from the sunny late summer season.
The high quality Merlot from the plateau, incorporated in smaller quantities than usual, provided an excellent complement to the blend bringing roundness and aromatic richness.

The wine has a beautiful finesse on the nose. Scents of cassis, with pepper, blackberries and cocoa beans with hints of mint and graphite.
The attack is full bodied and round with a very dense mid palate and a long and powerful finish. The tannins are bold but smooth and with a remarkable precision. Great balance, a rich and full bodied wine.

Price ca 40€ or 600NOK

Should be best around 2024-30.

Here is a couple of short films about the chateaux.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rABAJmIjyc

https://youtu.be/bPcFZ87F3dc

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