A brilliant, reference point level wine from this château, the 2016 Château Brane-Cantenac sports a deep purple hue as well as sensational notes of cassis, currants, iron, lead pencil, sappy tobacco, and leafy herbs. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenère and aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, integrated tannins, and just about flawless balance. It checks in at 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.57. Don't miss this stunning 2016. I'd be happy with cases in the cellar. Hide bottles for another 3-5 years and it will see its 50th birthday in fine form. Drink 2029-2076. The 2016 was harvested from September 22 to October 17, hitting 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.57.
98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2026)
Full sweet spot Brane Cantenac, not tasting quite as luscious as during the recent vertical at the estate, with the austerity more evident in the tannins, but come on, this is still hard to argue with, full of character and sap and vivid life, cocoa bean, brambled autumnal fruit, cola, crushed rocks and crayons. 70% new oak barrels. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director.
97 points, Jane Anson (Feb 2026)
Tobacco, chocolate and cedar on the nose. The wine is structured but delicate, with precise, well-delineated dark fruit giving it clarity and shape. Everything feels resolved and in balance, coming together in a harmonious, composed expression. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
96 points, Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling (Jan 2026)
Racy aromatic nobility, with cassis, white flower, graphite and blackberry. A second growth for a rather friendly price (in context), this wine displays subtle density, power, freshness and elegance. It has the tannic structure for the long haul, but is already silky in its elegance. Best to wait just a few more years however for a more optimal drinking window.
96 points, Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter (Apr 2022)
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