2003 Château Cantenac-Brown
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Tasting notes
The monolithic 2003 is more powerful and meaty, but still one-dimensional and simple. It possesses size, power, and muscle, but no charm. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2017.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very bright crimson. Full and very slightly stodgy. A chewy mouthful, but with lots of sweet polish. Then quite noticeable, fine tannins. Will never thrill, nor seriously disappoint. (JR)
Ruby-red. Ripe aromas of currant, plum syrup and tobacco. Fat and sweet, with lovely fruit. Could use a bit more grip but there's no shortage of flavor. Finishes with good length. This seems fresher today than the early sample I tasted last spring.
Healthy purple-crimson. Quite brutal modern winemaking nose. Mixture of gentleness and drama. Not a heavyweight, very gently vinified. With lots of density and ripeness and, just, enough freshness. My guess is that this has been very carefully worked to make the most of less than perfect fruit. Interesting and ultimately successful. Quite Margaux but not very long. (JR)
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.