Cantenac-Brown Margaux 2020

97 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2020 Cantenac Brown is a knock-out. A Margaux of towering intensity, the 2020 is dense and vertical at the same time. It’s a combination that works so well. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves all saturate the palate. There's real depth and concentration here from the summer heat and small size of the berries, but at the same time the 2020 has more freshness and energy than some recent years. There have been quite a few changes here in recent years, starting with a new parcel on the Margaux plateau that entered the blend in 2019 and move towards lower toast levels in the barrels. Cantenac Brown remains a potent, opulent Margaux, but 2020 has a measure of classicism as well. Superb. Drink: 2026-2040. (Dec 2022)"

95-97 points Wine Enthusiast: "Barrel Sample. This grand estate that recently changed hands has produced a seriously promising wine. Bold black fruits and dark tannins are just beginning a fine interplay, reinforced by the wine's acidity. Expect a good future for the wine."

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Château Cantenac Brown showed beautifully and is a serious, concentrated, powerful Margaux that's going to need bottle age. Ripe blackcurrants, toasty oak, ripe tobacco, and dried flower notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, balanced mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It shows the more focused, slightly understated style of the vintage, yet everything is in the right place, it has terrific purity, and it’s just a brilliant Margaux. I followed this bottle for multiple days, and it never put a foot wrong. It will hit its prime drinking window in 7-8 years and evolve for two decades. Drink: 2030-2050. (3/29/23)"

96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Deep, dark and rich, the wine is packed from start to finish with layers of lush, polished, ripe, sweet, pure, black and dark red fruits, flowers, espresso, hints of chocolate and oceanic influences. There is a beautiful sense of symmetry, purity, freshness, length and lift that already expresses its essence. The finish continues with its layers of ripe, opulent, yet refined fruits. This is a top vintage for Cantenac Brown that will age gracefully for 2-3 decades. Drink from 2026-2055. (3/21/23)"

95 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot). Cloves, garrigue, incense, sandalwood, powerful and intense, with aromatics of crushed rose petals, enveloping and totally delicious. Real density to the tannins, alongside cassis and blackberry fruits. This clearly has more depth and warmth than in the 2019, but both are balanced with appellation signature. First vintage with Tristan Le Lous as owner. 60% new oak barrels, harvest September 10 to 30, José Sanfins director, Eric Boissenot consultant. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2025-2050. (Jul 2025)"

95 points James Suckling: "Plenty of blackberry, spice, iron and crushed lead pencil aromas follow through to a full body with chewy, velvety tannins and a rather cool side to it. Crushed stone and slate undertones. Try after 2026. (12/15/22)"