The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a Bordeaux Blend from the Margaux region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Brane-Cantenac, is noted for its exceptional balance and structure, as highlighted in multiple reviews by professional wine critics.
James Suckling awarded it a high score of 96 points, praising its "very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them." He further described it as having a "medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish." Suckling emphasized the wine's tannin quality, labeling it as exceptional (jamessuckling.com).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it an excellent score of 95 points. William Kelley noted the wine's blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, and Petit Verdot. Kelley mentioned the completion of malolactic fermentation in barrels, a practice at the estate since the 1990s, and described the wine as "medium to full-bodied, rich, and fleshy, with a creamy core of fruit and a long, gently lactic finish" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Vinous' Antonio Galloni scored it 96 points, describing the wine as "sensual" and "silky." He highlighted its "depth and structure" and noted the presence of "crushed flowers, spice, and dried herbs" that meld into a core of dark, red-toned fruit. Galloni also praised the wine's value, calling it "one of the best relative values in Bordeaux" (Vinous).
Jane Anson also gave the wine 96 points, noting its "great aromatic hit" and "silky tannins." She described it as "such an accomplished wine" with spiced plum, rhubarb, slate, cassis, and bilberry fruit, all showing "depth and intensity" (janeanson.com).
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated it 97 points, describing the wine's "Cuban cigars, cedar, cassis, spice, forest floor, and flowers" aroma. He praised its "silky textures, vibrancy, and hints of salty rocks," calling it a vintage that "Brane Cantenac lovers should have in their cellars."
Jeb Dunnuck also awarded it 97 points, calling it "one of the hidden gems in the vintage." He praised its "cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes" and highlighted its "flawless balance and fine tannins" (jebdunnuck.com).
The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown gave it 96 points, describing it as "deep garnet-purple in color" with "blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries, and black raspberries" aromas. She noted its "solid structure of racy acidity and firm, ripe, grainy tannins" (The Wine Independent).
Decanter also awarded it 96 points, describing it as "very aromatic" with "gorgeous florality on the nose." The review highlighted its "supple and juicy" nature with a "lively bright aspect to the red fruits" and noted its "great potential" (Decanter).
Overall, the 2023 Brane-Cantenac is highly praised for its balance, structure, and exceptional tannin quality. It received excellent reviews across the board, making it a notable wine from the 2023 vintage.