Another compelling release for your to consider, namely Château Brane-Cantenac.
In a vintage when the commune of Margaux has excelled, the remarkably fairly-priced Brane-Cantenac is a snip. This has to be one of the most effortlessly elegant wines of all Margaux. As Neal Martin highlights in his tasting note below, proprietor Henri Lurton sticks to his own beliefs and always crafts remarkably classic wines that amply reward cellarage. My note from my tasting in early April is as follows :
Such an underestimated estate, the 2015 typifies Brane Cantenac’s impressive qualities. There is a pure, scented ripe cassis fruit on the nose… nothing here is overblown. The balance has terrific grace; gravelly-nuanced, dark fruit, sweet cassis, hints of creamy red fruits and a freshness throughout. This truly fine Margaux has a smooth, sleek texture - utter refinement and a markedly long finish. Drink 2022-2043 (SL)
I would certainly suggest this is one 2015 to follow and would rate the 2015 alongside the estate’s successes in 2010 and 2009, not a comment that I would apply to too many 2015s.
2015 Château Brane-Cantenac
(93-95) points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate
£465 per 12 bottle case in bond
The 2015 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère that was picked from 17 September until 7 October (that Carmenère was actually picked on 19 October). It was cropped at 51 hl/ha. This is classic Brane-Cantenac down the line: austere at first, almost aloof, but very well defined and over time it starts revealing lovely tobacco-stained black fruit. The palate is very well balanced with raspberry and wild strawberry on the entry, perhaps more red fruit than I was anticipating. Veins of undergrowth and cedar are in situ on this very well-balanced, reserved and classic Margaux boasting a long and persistent finish that feels satisfying, reassuring even. Not a Margaux for those that seek tons of fruit, it is nonetheless a very terroir-expressive wine that will repay those who know that this cru demands preferably 12-15 years in the cellar. Henri Lurton never wavers from his style of Margaux and it pays dividends here on this great wine for those with patience. Drinking 2030 to 2060.
Please advise of your interest at your earliest convenience.
For those of you interested, Henri Lurton will be in London to host a dinner with Atlas on the 29th June 2016. More details to follow.