1999 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 1999 Château Brane-Cantenac offers classic, mature currants, leafy tobacco, truffle earth, and cedar pencil-driven aromatics. It's medium-bodied on the palate and has a pure, graceful, balanced mouthfeel as well as nicely integrated acidity. I'd happily drink this classy claret-style beauty any time over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036. The 1999 was harvested from September 17 to 28, hitting 12.72% alcohol with a pH of 3.78.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. 44.6 hl/ha Brick rim. Lifted nose but to my mind there’s a bit of volatile acidity (VA) here. High-acid palate. Finishes short and dry. Verging on faulty. (JL)
The 1999 Brane-Cantenac has a fragrant nose with more red fruit (like the 1995), wilted rose petal and light crushed stone aromas, much prettier than the bottle tasted several years ago. The palate is well balanced with a soft opening, fleshy red berry fruit laced with blood oranges and allspice. With gentle grip, this Brane-Cantenac foregoes the austerity that can mark this Margaux wine. The 1999 is not complex but charming, and probably at its peak right now. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
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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.