2007 - Brane-Cantenac, Margaux

Love the floral edge, peony and iris curling out of the glass, totally charming, well placed tannins, this has momentum and lilting freshness, crunchy black and red fruits, blueberry, raspberry, tobacco leaf, understated as so many of the smaller vintages are, without sacrificing drinkability, with a mouthwatering finish. Harvest September 21 to October 12, yield 51.8hl/h, 70% new French oak for ageing, At this point Henri Lurton became sole owner, buying out his brother and sister Thierry and Edwige. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner and estate director, Christophe Capdeville technical director.

The 2007 Brane-Cantenac coincides with the year that Henri Lurton repurchased 45 hectares from his siblings, Edwige and Thierry, and planted Carménère. It has a pleasant though uncomplicated nose of black cherries, rosewater, leather and a touch of five spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasant piquancy on the entry, giving way to red berry fruit mixed with espresso and brown spices. I feel the winery shaping this Brane-Cantenac towards the finish, and consequently it just misses the charm of the previous vintage. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.