1998 Cantenac Brown
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Cantenac Brown has a very different blend to post-2000 vintages with much more Merlot, here, 49%. It has a strong menthol note on the nose that obscures the terroir expression, perhaps even difficult to define it as a Bordeaux. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, angular and slightly bitter, with some attenuation on the finish. It rained throughout the harvest this year, and I think that dilutes this 1998. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
What I would describe as a classic Margaux, the 1998 Chateau Cantenac Brown reveals a mature yet healthy ruby hue with just a touch of lightning at the rim. It has pretty currant and darker fruits as well as subtle dried herbs, chocolate, and smoky, leathery notes that develop with time in the glass. This medium-bodied, elegant, complex Margaux has good overall balance, a core of sweet fruit, and still presents tannins on the finish. It's certainly fully mature yet will unquestionably be enjoyable over the coming decade.
Elegant, sweet, floral-infused, black currant and blackberry fruit, along with licorice, earth, and even a note of truffles are present in this medium-bodied wine's aromas and flavors. Moreover, there is excellent concentration, good purity, and sweet tannin. Not a blockbuster, it is a well-made, symmetrical 1998 to drink between 2003-2016.
Elegant, sweet, floral-infused, black currant and blackberry fruit, along with licorice, earth, and even a note of truffles are present in this medium-bodied wine's aromas and flavors. Moreover, there is excellent concentration, good purity, and sweet tannin. Not a blockbuster, it is a well-made, symmetrical 1998 to drink between 2003-2016. Apr 2001, www.robertparker.com
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.