Chateau Brane Cantenac 2000

2eme Cru Classé, Margaux

Lovely bouquet, notes of black truffle unfold in the glass. The  mouthfeel has lovely density with supple tannins and a fine pearl of acidity.  Well proportioned with cedar and tobacco notes with a very satisfying finish. A very fine vintage indeed.

 Brane Cantenac is considered the best vineyard in the commune of Catenac and until 1833 was known as Château Gorce. In that year, it was bought by Baron de Brane who sold his other château, Brane Mouton (later to become Mouton Rothschild) in order to devote all his energies to Brane Cantenac. Today, Henri Lurton is in charge and his family have been involved since 1925.

The Estate has 90 hectares (222 acres) of vineyards comprised of a deep gravely soil that drains tremendously well, stresses the vines and promotes deep root growth and also provides trace minerals that add complexity to the taste of the wine. The vineyard is planted with a density of vines ranging from 6600 to 8000 vines per hectare

Grape variety: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Average age of vines: 35 years.

Modern vinification techniques including temperature-controlled fermentation and pumping-over with the wine being aged in barrels for 16-20 months before bottling.

The wines from Brane-Cantenac are admired for the very forward, minty, apple character which makes them accessible 5-6 years after bottling.