96 points La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2021 continues a very fine series and is yet another of the appellation's great successes. It shows very restrained power and great balance. The palate is fleshy, full-bodied and fruity, with very fine, supple tannins in harmony. (2025)"
95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Brane-Cantenac is a classy, elegant wine. The aromatics alone are so enticing. Crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, rose petal and cedar open first. The 74% Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit higher than in most years, which comes through in the wine's aromatic and structural profile. The 2021 is quiet and understated. Élevage was 18 months in 100% new French oak, but the wood is not at all evident—an important and positive sign regarding the wine's overall balance. Even so, the 2021 is a subdued Brane-Cantenac, one that needs time in bottle to shine at its brightest. Drink: 2031-2061. (Feb 2024)"
95 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Wild pink flowers on the nose, with blackcurrant and cherry fruit, fragrant, almost sweet and sour, super inviting. Cool but concentrated fruit on the palate, supple, agile, ripe full and direct. It has a gorgeous weight on the palate, not plush - it's in keeping with the vintage for sure, but such a finessed, elegance to the frame. Lovely licks of minerality that don't overhwelm the wine and the flavours carry to a long finish. A great sense of fun, joy and delicate beauty. Pretty and super charming, a delicate take from Brane but so much to like with its subtle charm. Drinking Window: 2027-2047. (Dec 2023)"
95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) (12/3/24).
94-95 points James Suckling: "A medium-bodied, very polished Brane-Cantenac with firm yet fine and textured tannins. Deep and compact core of black fruit, herbs and spices. Pretty licorice and clove notes. Structured and long. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% carmenere. (5/18/22)"
94 points/'Top 100 Wines of 2021,' Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenère). One of the few with violet reflections to the ruby colour, with austerity and cool vintage expression of blueberry and raspberry fruits, well defined and sculpted, good juice and lift, impressive purity and power, with a sandalwood swirl of 100% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 23 to October 7, 41hl/h yield. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2027-2041. (12/6/23)"
94 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2021 Brane-Cantenac is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, notes of black raspberries, juicy blackberries, and cassis come barreling out of the glass, plus nuances of dried herbs and graphite. The light to medium-bodied palate offers great tension and intensity, with fine-grained tannins and a long, savory finish. Alcohol 12.7%. Drink: 2026-2036. (4/23/24)"
94 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2025).
95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Brane-Cantenac is a classy, elegant wine. The aromatics alone are so enticing. Crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, rose petal and cedar open first. The 74% Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit higher than in most years, which comes through in the wine's aromatic and structural profile. The 2021 is quiet and understated. Élevage was 18 months in 100% new French oak, but the wood is not at all evident—an important and positive sign regarding the wine's overall balance. Even so, the 2021 is a subdued Brane-Cantenac, one that needs time in bottle to shine at its brightest. Drink: 2031-2061. (Feb 2024)"
95 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Wild pink flowers on the nose, with blackcurrant and cherry fruit, fragrant, almost sweet and sour, super inviting. Cool but concentrated fruit on the palate, supple, agile, ripe full and direct. It has a gorgeous weight on the palate, not plush - it's in keeping with the vintage for sure, but such a finessed, elegance to the frame. Lovely licks of minerality that don't overhwelm the wine and the flavours carry to a long finish. A great sense of fun, joy and delicate beauty. Pretty and super charming, a delicate take from Brane but so much to like with its subtle charm. Drinking Window: 2027-2047. (Dec 2023)"
95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) (12/3/24).
94-95 points James Suckling: "A medium-bodied, very polished Brane-Cantenac with firm yet fine and textured tannins. Deep and compact core of black fruit, herbs and spices. Pretty licorice and clove notes. Structured and long. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% carmenere. (5/18/22)"
94 points/'Top 100 Wines of 2021,' Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenère). One of the few with violet reflections to the ruby colour, with austerity and cool vintage expression of blueberry and raspberry fruits, well defined and sculpted, good juice and lift, impressive purity and power, with a sandalwood swirl of 100% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 23 to October 7, 41hl/h yield. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2027-2041. (12/6/23)"
94 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2021 Brane-Cantenac is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, notes of black raspberries, juicy blackberries, and cassis come barreling out of the glass, plus nuances of dried herbs and graphite. The light to medium-bodied palate offers great tension and intensity, with fine-grained tannins and a long, savory finish. Alcohol 12.7%. Drink: 2026-2036. (4/23/24)"
94 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2025).
| Product SKU | 351734 |
| Producer | Brane-Cantenac |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| SubRegion | Left Bank |
| Appellation | Margaux |
| Varietal | Cabernet/Bordeaux Blends |
| Designation | Second Growth |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere |
| ABV | 12.7% |
| Ships To |
