1996 Château Cantenac-Brown
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Cantenac Brown, which I have never before tasted, has a strong espresso scented nose, rather floral with better delineation than the 1998. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, quite austere. It feels a little hollow towards the finish. I think this should be drunk soon. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Dark lustrous crimson – looks particularly healthy. Fresh, reasonably mellow Cabernet aromas. Nicely melded integrated fruit. Good balance. This still packs quite a punch and still has both fruit and tannin. (JR)
I know AXA, the huge umbrella corporation that owns many Bordeaux chateaux, particularly Jean-Michel Cazes, has not been happy with my reviews of Cantenac-Brown, but I find the wine too tough-textured, tannic, and dry. Therefore, I am happy to say the 1996, while tannic, looks to be one of the better balanced efforts to emerge under the AXA administration. The color is a deep ruby/purple. The wine offers simple but pleasing aromas of black currants, licorice, and vanillin. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, powerful, muscular, somewhat foursquare, but mouthfilling, rich, and with the potential to move up in score if more complexity develops. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.
Some good berry and tobacco character, but slightly lean in fruit concentration in the center-palate. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a short finish. Best after 1999. – James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1999
About the producer
Tristan le Lous purchased this Third Growth in 2019, keeping on José Sanfins on as director. There has been significant work in the vineyards here, with a sustainable, organic approach across the 48 hectares.