The 2017 Château Brane-Cantenac is currently in its optimal drinking window, as the wine is recommended to be enjoyed from 2022 to 2038. With its firm tannins and muscular fruit, it would benefit from further aging if you prefer a more developed and integrated profile. However, it is also drinking well now, offering a polished texture and refined flavors. If you prefer wines with more depth and maturity, holding onto it for a few more years would enhance its complexity.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Dec 20, 2019

A tight, focused center palate to this red with blackberries, dark chocolate, hazelnuts and smoke. Medium to full body, polished tannins and a juicy, lightly chewy mouthfeel. A blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Try after 2022.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Nov 21, 2019
Drink: 2024-2040

Dark cassis fruit notes run right through the body of the wine, the oak slightly overpowering on the attack but brought perfectly back into balance by the time you are halfway through. It's enjoyable and confident, there is plenty of character, and it stretches out nicely through the palate, maintaining interest. Accomplished winemaking.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92+
Published: Mar 16, 2020
Drink: 2022-2038

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Brane-Cantenac starts off a tad restrained and reluctant to show, opening out to notes of baked blackberries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of cigar box and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wearing a lot of muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length. Needs time! 

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17.5
Published: Oct 5, 2021
Drink: 2026-2036

Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Smoky but enticing nose of sandalwood, dark cherry and dried violets. Hedgerow fruits abound. Very polished on the palate, there is ambition and refinement here. For now the tannins are very pithy and firm, particularly on the finish, but there is enough fruit intensity to match. A wine for laying down.