2013 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc that was aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 2013 Château Brane-Cantenac comes from arguably the most challenging vintage in the past two decades or more. Moderate aromatics of darker fruits, spice, and herbs emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with more concentration than I'd expect from the vintage. It's unquestionably well-made and offers pleasure, yet the finish is short. Drink this solid effort over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2026-2032. The 2013 was harvested from September 25 to October 7, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.58.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 21.9 hl/ha. Early Merlot lacked quality hence the small percentage in the blend. Pale crimson hue. Simple nose. Lighter-bodied but juicy. The finish is, however, rather hard and abrasive. Probably an underlying lack of ripeness. Not for the long term. (JL)
The 2013 Brane-Cantenac was a season beleaguered by botrytis, though optical sorting could remedy part of that problem. It is certainly not a write-off with pleasant blackberry and raspberry fruit. It lacks the mineralité of the 2012, but there is no greenness here. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, well balanced and surprisingly supple for the vintage with that dab of balsamic enhancing the finish. If you must drink a wine from this vintage, this should be the one. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
A famously challenging vintage, and for sure this is one of the earlier drinking of the recent vintages, but you will still find plenty of character in the glass, with charred tobacco leaf and softly brambled red fruits. Harvest September 25 to October 7, ph3.58. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director. The low yields of 21.9hl/h tell you how carefully they sorted. 70% new French oak for ageing.
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.