Description
Vineyards are stamped with the will of men. Begun 250 years ago, Brane-Cantenac’s legend is the tale of a thriving relationship between man and earth, which grows stronger as the ages go by. Named ‘Hostein’ in the 18th Century, this great wine estate was bought by the Gorce family, and produced one of the Medoc’s most renowned wines long before the 1855 classification.
As for our 2nd wine, Baron de Brane, its name pays hommage to the famous Baron Jacques-Maxime de Brane, the ‘Napoléon des Vignes’, owner of the property in the 19th Century. For the past four generations the Lurton family has been at the helm, devoted wardens who continue to ensure that the property flourishes, producing wines of the greatest quality.
A delicate and extremely complex nose. At first, intense floral notes of violet and rose petal, which open into aromas of cherry and vanilla. The attack reveals good volume, evolving towards an elegant and full mid-palate. Wonderful soft, rounded tannins with remarkable structure and finesse. Superb length, offering both freshness and signs of excellent maturity.
A delicate and extremely complex nose. At first, intense floral notes of violet and rose petal, which open into aromas of cherry and vanilla. The attack reveals good volume, evolving towards an elegant and full mid-palate. Wonderful soft, rounded tannins with remarkable structure and finesse. Superb length, offering both freshness and signs of excellent maturity. Without doubt a great wine to keep for many years to come.
Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Critical Acclaim
WE94
Wine Enthusiast
The fruit has become the main attraction here—layers of ripeness, tempered with an elegant smoothness. The tannins are certainly present in this powerful wine, but they are here to lend support, not dominate. With herbs and very clean black fruits, this is a wine to follow.
RP92
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2005 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. It has a focused, conservative (for the vintage) nose with gravel-tinged red berry fruit intermingling with cedar, graphite and pine needle scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm structure and unlike the bottle tasted in January, which I declined to score, there is no green streak on the finish. It is very backward and some might describe it as curmudgeonly. Personally I would not touch it for another five years, even though apparently it is beginning to open according to Henri Lurton. No, I would afford it another two or three years in bottle and let’s see where we are then. Tasted April 2015.
WS92
Wine Spectator
Shows mineral and blackberry aromas, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a long, smoky, earthy, meaty and fruity aftertaste. Long and stylish. Very refined and beautiful. Best after 2012. 15,000 cases made.
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