Chateau Brane Cantenac Henri Lurton
Chateau Brane Cantenac located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux has been slowly but steadily improving their wine over the past decade. The level of quality has shown marked increases since the 2005 vintage. Today the wine being produced at the property is displaying more depth, concentration and complexity than previous vintages.
Picking fruit with higher degrees of ripeness is one the key reasons for the improvements. Technical advancements have also helped. Starting with the 2010 vintage, the estate will begin employing the Air Tec Wine system which prevents crushing the berries which leads to premature oxidation of the fruit. Brane Cantenac also makes use of Viniclean and the Vistalys optical sorting systems.
2010 Brane Cantenac  offers a perfume with cassis, chocolate, licorice, spice and truffle aromas. In the mouth, the tannins feel silky and round. With round textures and pure blackberry fruit essences, the wine ends in a long, ripe, dark berry finish. This is developing more flavor and intensity as it ages in barrel. The Margaux wine was more expensive in 2010. The Bordeaux wine came out at 54 Euros. 94-95 Pts
2 Comments
“Quality” is a judgment call. I’d rather say that the wine is being made to better appeal to today’s taste. Parker told us what a “good” wine was supposed to taste like. Drink it young, drink it fruity. A fit for wines in today’s modern society. Not what “quality” wines were in the past. That’s why I say it’s hard to speak of high or low “quality” when speaking of wine – but then to reduce wine to a single measurement on some high-to-low scale is somehow counter to what it’s about anyway – wouldn’t you say?
Hi Duane
Yes, quality is a personal viewpoint. But as I tasted their Bordeaux wine on multiple occasions, and I am writing the note, I feel OK about making that call :-0)
It’s always a good conversation when you post. It’s so much easier to have the conversations on the wine talk forums. Can you please post this and other questions at http://thewinecellarinsider.com/forums_new/forumdisplay.php?5-Wine-amp-Food-Talk