1996 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
A blend of 48% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 17% Cabernet Franc that was aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 1996 Château Brane-Cantenac is just gorgeous today, with ripe currants, dried flowers, smoky tobacco, and classic Margaux spice all emerging from the glass. It's medium-bodied on the palate and has ripe, rounded, integrated acidity as well as a remarkable, spicy, floral, layered character that I love. It's drinking at its peak today yet should have a gradual decline thereafter. Drink 2026-2030. The 1996 was harvested from September 24 to October 7, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.8.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
48% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc. 43.3 hl/ha. Deeper core than 1995 with brick at the rim. Fresher than the 1995 as well with a minty note on the nose. Tannins firm to hard but there’s sweetness on the palate and decent length on the finish. (JL)
The 1996 Brane-Cantenac stands as a worthy follow-up to the splendid '95, albeit not quite with the same sophistication. This vintage contained less Cabernet Sauvignon than the prior vintage (35% down from 48%). It veers more towards black rather than red fruit, this bottle a tad more opulent aromatically than previous ones, with just a hint of cassis and violet emerging with time. Fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant opening of black-pepper-laced black and blueberry fruit. It is a bit brasher than the '95 but upholds the leitmotifs of the estate, with just a touch of blood orange on the finish. This continues to drink well and should for another decade. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
The 1996 took its time to come around, and this is still pretty serious, dark fruits, roses and peonies, tobacco, cigar box, you can feel the structure and architecture of this wine still being very much intact, with years ahead of it. Understated, impressive. Harvest September 24 to October 7, 43.3hl/h yield, 3.8ph. Cool early summer that built slowly in heat, with just the right amount of September rains, making the tannins present and plentiful. Henri Lurton owner and estate director.
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.