2010 - Brane-Cantenac, Margaux

Powerful carmine-red colour, at the beginning of its drinking window but with decades ahead. Love the grain of the tannins that sets off and deepens the dark berry fruits, cocoa bean, slate, crayon, campfire smoke. Characterful, excellent quality with space to improve further. 41hl/h yield, harvest September 27 to October 14, 70% new French oak, 3.57ph, Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director.

The 2010 Brane-Cantenac marked the first year that optical sorting was used and the replanting of a parcel of Petit Verdot. This has long been a favourite vintage, the nose in a class of its own with mineral-driven black fruit, graphite and just a touch of Earl Grey. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Beautifully balanced with just a slight savoury element beginning to emerge towards the finish, this blossoms in the glass and ultimately has a little more panache and grandeur than the impressive 2009. Outstanding. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac is deep garnet colored. It opens with maturing scents of tobacco, new leather, and prunes, giving way to creme de cassis, raisin cake, and cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, it is built like a brick house with super-firm tannins and a racy backbone supporting the dense fruit, finishing long and minerally.