2020 Cantenac Brown Margaux

97 Points Antonio Galloni's Vinous
In stock
Another excellent release from Cantenac Brown, with the structure to age but the fruit to appeal soon after arrival. From densely planted vines (up to 10,000/hectare) the wine offers cassis-tinged fruits of serious purity and vibrancy. Florals, chocolate and dessert spice wrapped up in a fine, ripe tannic denisty. A classic Margaux balance of grace with aromatic appeal, the Cantenac Brown is exceptional for the price.
$135.00 in mixed 6+ or $150.00 per bottle

Grape

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% 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

94-97/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni

"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 2030 - 2060

94-96/100 vinous, Neal Martin

"The 2020 Cantenac Brown, cropped at 36hl/ha, has quite a precocious bouquet of macerated small black cherries, blueberry, touches of cassis and violet, all very generous and seductive in style. The palate is beautifully balanced and extremely pure, offering succulent ripe tannins, perfectly judged acidity and layers of blueberry, Dorset plum, crushed stone and light graphite notes toward the finish, which has just the right amount of salinity. This is a sophisticated and quite cerebral Margaux in a series of excellent recent releases from the estate. Highly recommended." Drink 2025 - 2050

94-96/100 Wine Cellar Insider, Jeff Leve

"Inky in color, the wine hits all the right notes with its floral, camphor, blackberry, incense, espresso and black currant aromatics. There is serious intensity here with layers of ripe, sweet, dark fruits, toasty oak and polished tannins on the mid-palate and in the finish. Long, and deep, give this at least 7-8 in the cellar and this is going to really start to show well."

Variety Cabernet Merlot Blend
Closure Cork
Volume 750 ml
Alcohol 13.50%
Maturity 2025 - 2060

This Wine Goes Well With

with BEEF
with DUCK
with LAMB

Taste

4

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