2019 Chateau Brane Cantenac

Rare in the landscape of Bordeaux, the heart of the Second Growth Chateau Brane Cantenac vineyard has remained relatively unchanged since the 1855 classification with the 45 hectares surrounding the Chateau still used for the Grand Vin. The balance of the 75 hectare estate makes it into the second wine, Baron de Brane. Vineyards are planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Carmenere.

Other Reviews....
The 2019 Brane-Cantenac was cropped at 50hl/ha between 18 September and 9 October. Matured entirely in new oak, it is in possession of an almost pixelated bouquet with beguiling blackberry, bilberry and crushed limestone aromas. I find this less austere than some vintages of Brane-Cantenac at this prenatal stage. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with filigree tannins, very harmonious, not a deep or powerful Margaux, yet very delineated. There is that signature touch of greenness that I often find on Brane-Cantenac on the finish, though I have learned through experience that this is assimilated with bottle age, so have a cool cellar handy. Excellent.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

This shows exotic aromas of blackberries, wet earth, chocolate and fresh basil leaves. It’s full-bodied with round, creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Intriguing and real on the palate.
93-94 points
James Suckling

The grand vin 2019 Château Brane-Cantenac takes it up a notch, revealing a deeper, saturated purple color, gorgeous notes of cassis, new leather, cedar pencil, and flowers, medium to full-bodied richness, and the elegance and purity that are the defining features of the vintage. It's almost already hard to resist, with beautiful balance and purity, yet still has solid underlying tannins. Again, the balance here is brilliant.
93-95+ points
Jeb Dunnuck

A thoroughly moreish and high-quality Brane Cantenac, this is silky and seductive with impressive extraction of the tannins giving backbone and support to brambled and cassis fruits. Plenty of crushed stone and spice to add a gourmet edge alongside the just-smoked oak. Extremely high quality and one of the best Branes I've tasted at this stage. 3% of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc complete the blend. For the first time, all of the plots for this wine come from the plateau de Brane just in front of the château, a reflection of how well this terroir withstood the heat of the summer.
96 points
Jane Anson - Decanter

Brane Cantenac has been on a hot streak since 2015 and 2019 clearly continues their streak. Flowers, tobacco leaf, herbs and red pit fruits with a closing hint of blackberry create the beautiful perfume. On the palate the wine is sensual, fresh, rich and vivid, with an array of dark red fruits, that really stays with you. This is a gorgeous vintage for Brane Cantenac.
95-97 points
Jeff Leve - Wine Cellar Insider