1997 Cantenac Brown
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Tasting notes
I liked Cantenac Brown's 1997, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Whether it is the estate's terroir or the winemaking style, Cantenac Brown tends to be a stern, tannic wine, but the softness of the 1997 vintage has given this effort plenty of charm and precociousness. The color is a dark ruby/purple, and the wine offers up sweet black raspberry/cassis fruit intermixed with licorice, underbrush, and oaky aromas. The wine is medium-bodied, with a supple texture, good purity, and a low acid, plump finish. It could turn out to be one of the better Cantenac Browns from recent vintages, as well as a candidate for an upper eighty point rating if it continues to develop well. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2014. (No tasting note was provided in Issue 128. We have instead included the text of the tasting note from Issue 116)
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A bit lean, but has some good polished tannins and a berry, earthy character. Drink now. – James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2000
I liked Cantenac Brown's 1997, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Whether it is the estate's terroir or the winemaking style, Cantenac Brown tends to be a stern, tannic wine, but the softness of the 1997 vintage has given this effort plenty of charm and precociousness. The color is a dark ruby/purple, and the wine offers up sweet black raspberry/cassis fruit intermixed with licorice, underbrush, and oaky aromas. The wine is medium-bodied, with a supple texture, good purity, and a low acid, plump finish. It could turn out to be one of the better Cantenac Browns from recent vintages, as well as a candidate for an upper eighty point rating if it continues to develop well. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2014.(No tasting note was provided in Issue 128. We have instead included the text of the tasting note from Issue 116). Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 128
About the producer
Tristan le Lous purchased this Third Growth in 2019, keeping on José Sanfins on as director. There has been significant work in the vineyards here, with a sustainable, organic approach across the 48 hectares.