Château Brane Cantenac 2025
IN BOND
Delivery 2028
TASTING NOTES
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère (the latter harvested by the winery team after everything else has been picked), the 2025 Brane-Cantenac offers up a rich bouquet of crème de cassis, plums and spices, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and lively, with powdery tannins that contribute youthful grip on the finish, it checks in at a very classical 13.3% alcohol and pH of 3.62.
93/96
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, April 2026
The 2025 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 2 to 29, finishing with that 1% of late-ripening Carménère, cropped at 32.2 hl/ha. It has impressive purity on the nose, an aspect of the Grand Vin that Henri Lurton and his team have improved immensely over the last decade. Black cherries, bilberry, violet and crushed stone unfold in the glass, classical in style, which is Brane-Cantenac's signature. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, finely sculpted tannins allied with disarming sapidity and brightness. Not powerful like the 2022, yet pixelated with a mineral, tensile, complex finish. Another feather in the cap for Lurton and, moreover, this is often one of the best values on release. 2032 - 2060
95/97
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2026
A medium-bodied and solid red with blackberry, chocolate, meat and walnut character. It shows juicy tannins and a long finish. Persistent and classy. Such length and balance.
96/97
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2026
This is luscious and full of wonderfully bright fruits, great concentration, cushion of air underneath, high Cabernet and it comes through in the floral aromatics, clearly a plentiful tannic structure but luscious and layered damson and black cherry. Yes yes yes. 12.10% press wine. 3.62 pH. Tasted twice. 100 years of the Lurtons at Brane. 2036-2055.
97
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, April 2026
The 2025 Brane-Cantenac is incredibly polished right out of the gate. Floral overtones lead into a core of blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, tobacco, lavender and a kiss of French oak. Silky tannins lend shape and finesse. The aromatics alone are so compelling, but everything about the 2025 speaks to balance. It’s a magnificent effort from proprietor Henri Lurton and his team. One of the highlights of the vintage. 2035-2065
95/97
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2026
