Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 1997 is a mature and elegant expression of this renowned Margaux estate, offering a graceful balance of ripe fruit, freshness and finely polished tannins. Awarded 92 points by James Suckling, the wine shows inviting notes of spice, brewed coffee and herbs, supported by bright acidity and a juicy, medium-long finish. A refined, approachable vintage that beautifully reflects the estate’s distinctive terroir and is drinking well now.

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Aug 11, 2025

Spices and hints of brewed coffee and herbs on the nose. Very good acidity gives a bright mouthfeel to the medium-bodied palate, with fine-grained tannins and a juicy, medium-long finish. 49% merlot, 46% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Drinkable now, but can keep for another few years. From a vertical tasting at the winery.

Brane-cantenac.com

Extensive analysis of our soils has enabled us to divide the vineyard into different 'zones' that correspond to different distinct soil profiles called 'terraces', formed at different periods in time. Even subtle nuances in Brane's terroir, when guided with an approach fully tailored to each origin, result in wines that reveal remarkably different characteristics.

Each of Brane-Cantenac's wines represents a different plot selection of the estate with a specific soil type, vinified with a different approach, and thus expressing a distinct personality. Château Brane-Cantenac originates from the plateau on Terrace 4, giving richer, denser fruit with more structured tannins and therefore more suitable for ageing in bottle. Baron de Brane originates from predominantly Terrace 5, which offers elegant, charming, but lighter fruit, and Terrace 3 which gives structure. These qualities allow this wine to be enjoyed younger.