Since Brane Cantenac increased the share of Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend, the wine has become more aromatically clear-cut, fleshier and longer, while remaining elongated and fragrant. 2014 is like that. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 2% cabernet franc. 93 points

The Château Brane-Cantenac 2014 is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, representing 38% of the total crop. It was picked between 22 September commencing with the Merlot up until 9 October finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields came in at 44.8 hectoliters per hectare. It has a very typical nose for this Margaux estate. understated and reserved at first, touches of ground-up stone intermixed with brambly red berry fruit and damp undergrowth scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is moderate weight in the mouth, plenty of sous-bois character and a touch of graphite (à la Pauillac) leading to a tapered but sustained finish. This is your straigh t-down-the-line classic Brane-Cantenac, unashamedly classic in style, what you might call "good old fashioned claret." Never the beauty queen at primeur, my remarks reflect how this Margaux blossoms in bottle. 91=93 points

A wine that shows structure and ambition, with 70% new oak and a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon underpinned by freshnes, minerality and subtle concentration. Cedarwood notes add an extra dimension. 92 points