2006 Brane Cantenac
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Currants, tobacco, graphite, and crushed stone all define the 2006 Château Brane-Cantenac, a wine that has a certain austerity and more Cabernet-driven style. Based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc and aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, it's concentrated, has medium-bodied richness, a focused, firm mouthfeel, and solid mid-palate depth. Claret lovers will appreciate this ultra-classic Margaux, and it's going to shine on the dinner table. Drink 2026-2041. The 2006 was harvested from September 16 to October 6, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.79.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. 45.6 hl/ha. Deep crimson hue. Dark fruit with a touch of mint and leaf. Not the body of 2005 but lively, fresh and appealing. Tannins slightly grainy on the finish but the wine is not finished yet. (JL)
The 2006 Brane-Cantenac was fermented at lower temperatures in order to avoid over-extraction. This is borne out on the nose which shows freshly rolled tobacco and sandalwood like before, more refined and focused than some of its peers and slightly blacker in fruit profile than the 2005. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Naturally, it does not possess the density and backbone of the previous vintage, but it feels balanced with a pleasant sapidity on the finish. Drink this over the next decade. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
Medium intensity stately velvet colour, mouthwatering. Tannins remain a little sticky and the freshness is on the high side, but there are dark berry fruits here, and plenty of lift and momentum. Ageing potential ahead of it, and I would imagine it will have a more charming moment than this. Harvest September 16 to October 6, 45.6hl/h yield, 3.79p, 70% new French oak for ageing, a vintage saved by September; like 2004. Jacques Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner and estate director, Christophe Capdeville technical 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.