Château Brane-Cantenac is established on the famous Brane plateau — Terrace IV — whose deep gravel and clay subsoil provides optimal drainage while retaining enough moisture for even ripening across all vintage conditions. The 75-hectare Left Bank estate, classified as a 2ème Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is divided into approximately 120 separate parcels, of which 45 hectares surrounding the château are devoted exclusively to the Grand Vin. Henri Lurton, who has managed the property since 1992, oversees parcel-by-parcel viticulture and vinification — sourcing exclusively from Terrace IV parcels for the Grand Vin — to preserve the estate’s crystalline, Margaux character.

Flowering in 2014 was remarkable — quick and efficient — but véraison was uneven, affected by a gray and stormy summer. A spectacular late-season turnaround brought sunshine, warmth, and light. The Cabernet Sauvignon reached the level of a truly great vintage: berry growth was halted after summer rains, and an extended ripening cycle allowed the grapes to fully benefit from the late summer sunshine. The top Merlots from the plateau, integrated in smaller quantities than usual, contributed roundness and aromatic richness to the blend. Harvest ran from September 22 through October 17, with yields of 44.8 hectoliters per hectare.

The 2014 Brane-Cantenac has an upfront, opulent bouquet with vibrant black fruit, touches of meat juices, mint, and potpourri — one of the more complex aromatics within the Margaux flight. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, lightly spiced with a dash of black pepper, building in the mouth towards a structured and impressive finish. This is a splendid display and one of the vintage’s best values, with the trajectory to age gracefully over the next decade and beyond.