2012 Château Brane-Cantenac
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Tasting notes
A balanced, elegant wine, the 2012 Château Brane-Cantenac shows a fresh, floral, perfumed style in its juicy red and black fruits, underbrush, graphite, and damp flower notes. Based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot and aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and has a nicely balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and plenty of charm. It doesn't have the ripeness of the 2009 and 2010 (or 2011), but it has a rock-solid style that will shine over the coming 15 years. Drink 2026-2041. The 2012 was harvested from September 27 to October 16, hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.69.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot. 45.5 hl/ha. Crimson hue. Attractive, lifted berry-fruit nose. Cabernet to the fore as would be expected. Supple and round on attack then grip and length on the finish. Serious for the vintage. Drinking now but will age further. (JL)
The 2012 Brane-Cantenac was a relatively late-ripening vintage for which harvest finished on October 16. This is far better than the 2011 with more fruit and vigour. Finely delineated blackberry, wild hedgerow and graphite scents continue to lend it a Pauillac-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and vivid black fruit laced with white pepper, leather and tobacco. Very harmonious and quite elegant in style, this has a very endearing poise on the finish. The 2012 is just entering its drinking window now and should give another 20 years' drinking pleasure. Impressive for the vintage. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
Confident ruby colour, with slow releasing aromatics on the opening, this is impressive, one of the best 2012s in the appellation. Blackberry and damson fruits, clear graphite and crayon flavour and slate textured tannins. Great stuff, you can drink this now and be very happy, but there are decades ahead. Harvest September 27 to October 16, 70% new French oak for ageing, 3.69ph, 45.5hl/h yield, Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director.
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.