2005 Brane Cantenac
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Tasting notes
Red and black currants, smoked tobacco, graphite, and crushed stone define the aromatics of the 2005 Château Brane-Cantenac, a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was aged 18 months in 70% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, it has a ripe, round, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. An incredibly powerful, concentrated Brane, this is a beautiful, gorgeous 2005 that has so much to love and has another 20 years of longevity. Drink 2026-2046. The 2005 was harvested from September 17 to October 10, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.64.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. 38.5 hl/ha. Deep garnet hue. Greater depth on the nose than the 2004, the ripeness there. Dark fruit and graphite notes. Layered fruit on the palate. Tannins firm but integrated. Holding up well. (JL)
Balanced, elegant, understated, old school but resolutely full of grace. I wonder how many people today get excited by the quiet charm of this wine, but it certainly works for me. Will hang in there, and keep impressing over the years, like a 1970s Napa. Roses and raspberries, touch of campfire, broth, crushed mint, crayon, blackberry, understated and charming,with Margaux floral aromatics on the finish. It's not a bodybuilder, and yet there is a wiry frame and a mouthwatering finish. Harvest September 17 to October 10, 38.5hl/h yield, 3.64ph, 70% new French oak for ageing. Jacques Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner and estate director, Christophe Capdeville technical director.
The 2005 Brane-Cantenac is a renowned vintage. When Henri Lurton asked his father if he had witnessed a similar one, he replied "1928"…when he was just two years old! Brane-Cantenac stepped up a level with this vintage, dialling up fruit intensity a little without compromising delineation and focus. With blackberry, tobacco and touches of cedar in the background, this is very classy. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced with gentle grip, more density and backbone than previous vintages and a precise finish that Lurton was able to build upon in future vintages. Long and tender for the vintage, this is a marvellous Brane-Cantenac that will give 15 to 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
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.