1978 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
The 1978 Brane-Cantenac has a quite expressive, rustic bouquet with dusty red berry fruit, leather and mint – a nose that is probably reaching the end of its mortal coil. The palate is medium-bodied, offering a soupçon of dark, spicy black fruit, leather and dried herbs, and slightly attenuated, with a slightly monotone finish. It is a Margaux that is holding on by its fingernails, not terrible but not terribly exciting. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château .
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1978 Brane-Cantenac is a vintage that I have never encountered before. Now at 40-years of age the nose feels a little enervated and dusty, green around the edges but with vestiges of freshness. The palate is tannic and earthy, quite firm and rather uncompromising, attenuated towards a slightly mean tobacco finish. Bottles ought to be consumed in the near future. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner.
The 1978, made in a period when the wines of Brane-Cantenac were frequently disappointing, is a modest success. The wine is medium ruby-colored with a moderately intense, berryish, earthy bouquet, and very soft, round, plump flavors with little acidity or tannin present. This 1978 is fully mature. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in decline. Last tasted, 11/87.
About the producer
Château Brane-Cantenac has been a consistent performer in the Margaux wine appellation since Henri Lurton took over the property, but thanks to replanting and investment in the last decade, quality has seen another sharp upswing.