Grape

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot

Its Origins

Scottish painter John Lewis Brown purchased the estate in the early 19th century, after which he followed tradition by appending 'Brown' to the name of the town, Cantenac, but then took the completely idiosyncratic step of building an English Tudor-style manor house - which still remains unique in Bordeaux. But winemaking success was not long to come, and in 1855 Cantenac Brown was rated Grand Cru Classe. After a number of subsequent owners the Halabi family purchased the estate in 2006, placing Jose Sanfins in charge of winemaking. Since then there has been a steady increase in quality, with temperature-controlled fermentation followed by aging of 12 - 15 months in 60% new oak. Meanwhile sustainable practices are used in the vineyard, along with rigorous attention to vine stock - older vines of 60+ years are preserved in conjunction with a replanting regime that is increasing vine density toward a standard of 10,000 vines per hectare.

What The Critics Say

94-96/100 Vinous, Neal Martin

"Winemaker José Sanfins is doing sterling work at this fast-improving Margaux estate. The 2019 Cantenac Brown represents around half the crop, picked 18 September to 9 October and then matured in 60% new oak. It has a slightly more extravagant bouquet than its peers, more expressive with vivacious blackberry, raspberry and cranberry fruit mingling with cedar and cigar humidor scents. The palate is very cohesive with sappy red fruit, beautifully judged acidity and a harmonious, fulfilling dark chocolate-tinged finish that lingers wonderfully. What an exquisite, well-crafted Margaux with oodles and oodles of charm." Drink 2025 - 2060

94/100 Decanter, Jane Anson

"A ton of tightly packed black fruits are right there on the attack of this wine, along with enticing aromatic power. It's a well-muscled Cantenac Brown with a sleek, carefully controlled tannic hold alongside liquorice and black chocolate notes - good stuff. New owner at this property as of 2019, Tristan Le Lous. 60% new oak, with 51% of overall production in the first wine." Drink 2028 - 2044

92-94+/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

"Displaying a medium to deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Cantenac Brown wafts sensuously out of the glass with fragrant notes of candied violets, underbrush and Darjeeling tea over a core of warm cassis, black cherry preserves and wild blueberries with a touch of anise. Medium-bodied, the palate offers generous, mouth-coating black fruits with loads of perfumed nuances and a soft, velvety texture, finishing on a lingering note of exotic spices." Drink 2024 - 2040