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Brane-Cantenac 1996 is a full-bodied, Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from the Second Growth Margaux property of Châtean Brane-Cantenac. Although perceived to have gone through a lull during the 1970s and 1980s, historically, Brane-Cantenac was always regarded as the a ‘Super Second’. This reputation has only been enhanced by Henri Lurton, the proprietor of the estate since 1992. This grand vin is from the legendary 1996 Bordeaux vintage. "Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 1996 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.6% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc. It has a fresh, mint-tinged bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, cedar and damp tobacco scents, a mintiness that becomes more pronounced with aeration. The palate is well balanced with grainy, slightly dry tannin. There is adequate depth and substance to this 1996 (more so than the subsequent three vintages), with black pepper and leather notes on the finish. Probably at its peak now, though I can envisage this offering another decade of drinking pleasure." Neal Martin, 2016
The 1996 took its time to come around, and this is still pretty serious, dark fruits, roses and peonies, tobacco, cigar box, you can feel the structure and architecture of this wine still being very much intact, with years ahead of it. Understated, impressive. Harvest September 24 to October 7, 43.3hl/h yield, 3.8ph. Cool early summer that built slowly in heat, with just the right amount of September rains, making the tannins present and plentiful. Henri Lurton owner and estate director.Jane Anson10th September 2025
90Vinous
The 1996 Brane-Cantenac stands as a worthy follow-up to the splendid '95, albeit not quite with the same sophistication. This vintage contained less Cabernet Sauvignon than the prior vintage (35% down from 48%). It veers more towards black rather than red fruit, this bottle a tad more opulent aromatically than previous ones, with just a hint of cassis and violet emerging with time. Fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant opening of black-pepper-laced black and blueberry fruit. It is a bit brasher than the '95 but upholds the leitmotifs of the estate, with just a touch of blood orange on the finish. This continues to drink well and should for another decade. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025. Neal Martin11th September 2025
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Chateau Brane-Cantenac
A Distinguished Second Growth
Formerly owned by the great figures of Bordeaux wine, Lucien Lurton, Château Brane-Cantenac is a highly respected Second Growth estate in Margaux. The estate has been owned and run by Lucien’s son, Henri, since 1992. Although perceived to have gone through a lull during the 1970s and 1980s, historically, Brane-Cantenac was always regarded as the a ‘Super Second’. This reputation has only been enhanced by Henri Lurton, through the implementation of better vineyard management techniques (the entire 75ha has been certified organic since 2016) and investment in cutting-edge cellar technology (for example, optical sorting machines).
The estate grows mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (slightly more Cabernet) along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Carmenere. The Grand Vin of Château Brane-Cantenac is noted for its ripe tannins, excellent fruit concentration and structure, and perfumed delicacy – all characteristics of the finest wines of Margaux.
