The 2008 Château Brane-Cantenac is a subtle and elegant Margaux that speaks softly but confidently. With a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, it opens with aromas of black fruits, liquorice, cedar, and floral touches, evolving into a sleek, medium to full-bodied palate with notes of peppermint, undergrowth, and spice. The tannins are firm yet silky, giving structure and aging potential, while hints of eucalyptus and leather add intrigue. This vintage may not boast overt power, but it offers finesse, quiet complexity, and a refined finish. Best enjoyed from 2016 onward, and still holding strong.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 91
Published: Oct 22, 2012

A lean and firm wine with racy tannins that give it a sleek and exciting texture. Medium to full body, plus currants and cedar character. Needs more time to soften. Best in 2016.

Decanter | D 90
Published: Jan 1, 2018
Drink: 2018-2030

Some maturity is evident here, with plenty of beauty: undergrowth and brambles, soft liquorice, almonds, spice, and a slight suggestion of fruit that could have done with a touch more ripening. Combined with the soft tannins, this is a gentle, subtle expression of Margaux. Sit with it a while, don't expect it to rush out of the glass at you.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: 31st Dec 2016
Drink: 2017-2030

Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the Chateau, the 2008 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The nose is quite striking with a tang of eucalyptus, a trait that Henri Lurton himself picked up when we tasted together. The palate is medium-bodied with a peppermint-tinged entry, the tannins quite thick and perhaps lacking the precision that Henri imparts into his Margaux wine nowadays. There is something not quite true to the style of Brane-Cantenac here, mimicking something it is not, trying to be a different person. It is an enjoyable wine but I would broach this in its youth. Tasted April 2015.

Brane-cantenac.com

TASTING NOTES
October 2012: A delicate nose of black fruits and liquorice, with subtle floral aromas and a touch of fresh leather.
An elegant, youthful attack with good concentration and fullness. A round midpalate with silky tannins. The finish is long and aromatic, with smoky notes.
This is a powerful, well-made wine, with strong ageing potential.

FACTS
Harvest dates: 29th September - 17th October
Yield: 45 hl/ha
% First Wine produced: 34
Barrel ageing: 18 months in 60% new French oak
Ageing potential: 20-30 years. At its best from 2016 onwards.

VINTAGE SUMMARY
We got off to a slow start, with a cool, damp spring. Thunderstorms and hail in May were challenging, and led to serious mildew threats. These were dealt with quickly and carefully, using sustainable treatment techniques. Flowering began rather late, in June, and coulure became an issue. The grape colour change occurred in early August and took some time. Early September was equally difficult, with irregular conditions slowing ripening.
However, the weather changed drastically from September 15 and remained fair until the end of the harvest. Very thorough sorting ensured we completely eliminated vegetation debris and unripe grapes. The wines show great potential, firmness and finesse.