Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2009 1.5L

98 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc). The years when Brane was starting to really come sharply into focus, and this is easily one of the best 2009s in the Margaux appellation, and great value in comparison to some of the biggest names. One for serious Bordeaux lovers, just super competent and impressive winemaking. You get pretty much 90% of what you need to know on the aromatics alone, concentrated cassis, a ton of depth, with fruit, acidity and tannins all perfectly in balance, so juicy and drinkable, concentrated and enjoyable. Decades ahead of it. 70% new oak for ageing, harvest September 22 to October 9. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2024-2050. (9/16/24)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2009 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet colored, it barrels out of the glass with bold notions of baked blackberries, warm cassis, and stewed plums, plus hints of chocolate box, licorice, and fertile loam with a waft of dried roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with spicy black fruit preserves and a plush texture, finishing long with a refreshing lift. Alcohol 13.4%. Drink: 2022-2040. (5/25/22)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Showing beautifully, the 2009 Château Brane-Cantenac is loaded with classic Margaux notes of sandalwood, dried flowers, spice, truffle, and blackcurrants. Based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up in 70% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied and has a beautifully textured, elegant mouthfeel, terrific mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It's a quintessential, elegant yet textured, concentrated Margaux to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. Drink: 2020-2035. (11/23/20)"

95 points Robert Parker: "A spectacular effort from this estate rivaling their 2005, but more flashy/flamboyant, this dark ruby/purple wine has a strikingly intense nose of licorice, flowers, plums and dark berries. Medium to full-bodied, very approachable and silky, this suave, very sexy wine can be drunk early on as well as aged for 20+ years. (12/22/11)"

95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Wow, this has really blossomed with time in the bottle. With just a bit of lightness to the color starting to shine though, there is a richness and silkiness found in the fruit that makes this impossible not to want to take another sip. Rich and seductive, the wine is elegant, supple, long, and fresh. There is a refreshing minty note on the palate that accompanies the sweet fruit adding complexity and pleasure. You can start drinking this now, or age it for a few more years and enjoy it for at least 2 decades or more after that. Drink from 2025-2045. (Jul 2022)"

94 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Plenty of Margaux balance and effortless elegance here, showcasing a concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry fruit character. Soft smoky oak comes in on the finish, with fine tannins and gentle floral aromatics. Only 37% of the production make it into the 1st wine, aged in 70% new oak. The vineyard here lies across a gravel outcrop, with certain sections that are sandy-gravel, with the 1st wine invariably Cabernet Sauvignon dominant. Drinking Window: 2020-2040. (10/21/20)"

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2009 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 22 to October 9 with a modest 13.4° alcohol. This has long been a great Margaux. It is very delineated and yet very generous on the bravura bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, crushed stone, cedar and a touch of mint. The palate is fresh and bursting with energy right from the start. There is plenty of weight and presence here, but that tension binds this Brane-Cantenac together. Then there is that Pauillac-inspired, graphite finish that lingers for 45+ seconds. This is one of Henri Lurton’s best wines. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château. Drink: 2021-2050. (Jan 2019)"

94 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$85/750ml list] Warm and rounded, this spicy wine has wood flavors just showing through the ripe fruit. It is already delicious, with rich blackberry flavors right up front, although its aging potential is evident with the concentrated, deep structure. (Feb 2012)"

94 points (17/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "Highly seductive, the 2009 is rich and flavorful, with a round, sensual mouthfeel. (2014)"

94 points Tim Atkin, MW (2011).