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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Henri Lurton swung for the rafters in 2010, eclipsing anything ever produced at Brane-Cantenac with a Margaux that Parker swooned for, "A gorgeously evolved, extremely complex bouquet... full-bodied, dense... an opulent, fleshy, full-bodied richness... profoundly concentrated style... gorgeous wine..." And with a final, in-bottle score of 95+ (that "+" indicating we haven't heard the last from this one), Parker placed this Margaux at the top of the class for vintage and appellation. Only three estates bested Lurton's Deuxièmes Cru Brane-Cantenac in 2010, and the costs for those extra few points today are pretty dear. First Growth Chateau Margaux topped out at 99, but it's probably unfair to throw them in, considering that today a bottle will set a collector back a cool $800+. Palmer was next – always a collector's blue chip – pulling down 98+ for their 2010. But again, we're talking $400 per bottle on average these days. That leaves only one estate for 2010 to pull down a higher score than Brane-Cantenac: Lascombes. Shocking the world, they landed at 96 points; but the world has taken notice and today you'll drop well over $100 for a bottle of that one! My final allocation rolls in soon, ex-cellar, priced right, and drinking beautifully. |
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Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose has completely shut down since I last tasted it and cannot compare with the aromatics of the 2009 at present. The palate is a truer indicator of the wine, because it races out of the blocks with its ripe, firm tannins, layers of mineral-rich black fruit with a tingle of spice on the animated finish. Here, it just shades the 2009. Both are sensational vintages for the estate, although I suspect this might have the edge in the longer term. This is a brilliant Margaux with a long future ahead. Tasted April 2015.
95 points, Wine Advocate (Issue # 228 - Dec 2016)
One of the Lurton properties in Margaux, Brane Cantenac is showing the richness of its finely placed vineyard in this 2010. Smoky wood and ripe blackberry are among the flavors of a wine that is complex, complete and concentrated. It will certainly age well.
94 points, Wine Enthusiast (Feb 2013)
Pretty red fruits such as cherries in this wine with chewy tannins and fresh acidity. Toasted oak too. Needs time to come together. Dense and complete for this estate. Better than 2009. Better after 2016.
94 points, James Suckling (Feb 2013)
This is dark and grippy, with charcoal, roasted bay and chestnut leaf notes fronting a muscular core of steeped black currant, loganberry and black cherry flavors. Taut plum pit and iron hints thread the finish, revealing a lingering charcoal note. Very solid and suited for aging. Best from 2015 through 2028. 10,000 cases made.
93 points, Wine Spectator (Mar 2013)
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