Chateau Cantenac Brown 2024

VINUM: "Leuchtendes Rubinrot; subtile Röstnoten über Cassisbeeren, blitzsauber, würzig und floral, ungemein verspielt und sehr komplex; erstaunlich vollmundig im Auftakt, baut Druck auf, bleibt elegant, feinkörniges, seidiges Tannin umgarnt die Frucht, energetisch, vertikal, langanhaltend und mit ausgezeichneter Harmonie. Gehört dieses Jahr zum Besten, was Margaux zu bieten hat."

WEINWISSER: "dicht verwobenes Bouquet, frischgepflückte Alpenheidelbeere, verführerisches Veilchenparfüm, parfümierter Pfeifentabak. Am satten Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, berauschender Extraktfülle, engmaschigem Tanningerüst und trainiertem Körper. Im konzentrierten, aromatischen Finale mit ungeheurer Dynamik, edler Cassiswürze, erkaltetem Waldfrüchtetee, gepaart mit feinkörniger Adstringenz."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A velvety, densely fruited red with a delicate texture. Cherries and some pine needles on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Silky and delicious with some more berry and chocolate character on the finish."

DECANTER: "Dark blackcurrant aromas, bramble fruit, milk chocolate and floral scents. Smells amazing. Verging on opulent and hedonistic. Supple and juicy, fun, fresh, fruity, this is a happy wine with gorgeous tannins, bright acidity that gives some bitterness but really balances with the sweet ripe fruit. Concentrated and a touch spiced with great firmness and length. Just a gorgeous weight in the mouth. Well constructed, round, precise, finessed and yet it’s still full of forward motion. Becomes a little taut towards the finish but there’s great refinement here. Will be yummy with a mineral, liquorice, clove and graphite and black pepper finish. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 70% new oak barrels the rest one year. 3.72pH. 10% press wine."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Spicy, peppery, leafy currants with floral accents define the opening profile of the wine. On the palate, the wine is juicy, round, soft, sweet, and fresh, with a vibrant finish that allows it to resonate with black cherries and a savory backend. The estate credits part of its success to the new cellars, which enable precise vinifications. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV, The Grand Vin was produced using only 52% of the harvest. Picking took place September 25 - October 12. Drink from 2029-2045."

ANSON: "A step up in terms of concentration and structure, blackberry, cassis bud, raspberry leaf, slate, crayon, good stretch out through the palate, enjoyable. First full vintage in the new cellar here. Jose Sanfins director, Tristan Le Lous owner, 60% new oak, new winery fully completed as of this vintage."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Frische Waldbeeren, ein Hauch von Kirschen, Veilchentouch, zart nach Mandarinenzesten. Saftig, dunkle Beerenfrucht, frisch, reife Tannine, gut anhaftend, zeigt einige Länge und Potenzial."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2024 Cantenac Brown was cropped at a very low 16 hectoliters per hectare and represents 52% of the estate's production. The new winery's battery of smaller tanks made it possible to isolate sub-parcels to attain more homogenous maturity. Offering up aromas of cassis, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium-bodied, with good density and concentration, built around sweet tannins and integrated acids. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27.5% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deep crimson hue. Creamy dark-fruit nose. Rich and full on the palate. Plush for the vintage. Generous fruit weight with polished and well-integrated tannins. Freshness as well. Less finesse than Brane-Cantenac but impressive for the vintage."