2018 Brane-Cantenac (Margaux)

Red-ruby with vivid reflections, still young, primary with fully ripe berry fruits, set off by crayon, graphite, pomegranate and liquorice, nowhere near its drinking window. Great quality, takes the foot off to the pedal when it needs to. Harvest September 17 to October 11, 45.1hl/h yield, 70% new French oak for ageing, 3.78ph, excellent summer after tough mildew pressure early in the season. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director. 97 points rdot, and the alcohol is 13.4%. The yields were 45 hl/ha. There is a fresh and smoky character to the nose, with a little reduction showing on this sample. The palate shows some real class though, with a very elegant integration of gently polished and medium-bodied texture, with a little phenolic substance to the weight of the wine, with a backbone of silky tannins, fresh acidity and charming, floral, perfumed fruit, all tinged with bay leaf and green peppercorn. A very attractive, elegant style with potential, and overall an impressive Brane-Cantenac this year. The élevage here will be in 70% new oak and 30% second-fill oak. 93-95 points