1979 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
The 1979 Brane-Cantenac is a wine that was disparaged in some influential quarters, but it's a gem. It is clearly the best wine of this era, a vintage that actually favored the Margaux. It has an appealing tobacco, blackberry and brine bouquet that is not complex, yet still demonstrates satisfactory vigor. The palate is balanced but vigorous, old-fashioned yet charming, featuring mint-tinged black fruit mixed with tobacco and graphite. There is much more presence here than the 1978 or 1981. This is, dare I suggest, an insider's Brane-Cantenac that you should leap upon if you spot a bottle, as I did when I found this in a shop in Beaune. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château .
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1979 is medium ruby, with a herbaceous, slightly dull, now washed-out bouquet. This medium bodied and soft wine is beginning to dry out. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 6/87.
The 1979 is medium ruby, with a herbaceous, slightly dull, now washed-out bouquet. This medium bodied and soft wine is beginning to dry out. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 6/87. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Château Brane-Cantenac has been a consistent performer in the Margaux wine appellation since Henri Lurton took over the property, but thanks to replanting and investment in the last decade, quality has seen another sharp upswing.