Château Brane-Cantenac, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaux Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth), Bordeaux, France 2009

Brane-Cantenac Margaux is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère.

Remarkable intensity on the nose, with notes of concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry. Hints of white pepper and red fruits reveal themselves on the second nose. The attack is round with very elegant tannins. The wine is wonderfully smooth and velvety in texture, with exceptional length, reinforced by a strong aromatic finish. Soft smoky oak comes in on the finish, with fine tannins and gentle floral aromatic.

Vines average 35 years old. Vinification is in oak casks. 18 months aging in French oak barrels, with 70% new.

A dry, sunny early spring gave way to streaks of violent weather in May, although Brane Cantenac was spared from hail. Temperatures were well above average in June, July and August and exceptional weather conditions in September and October ensured perfect ripening. Flowering and colour change were rapid and homogenous. Yield was reduced through extensive green harvesting and leaf thinning. There was virtually no rain until the end of the harvesting period and cool nights promoted the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Vines and grapes showed perfect maturity and health until the end of the harvest, and intense extraction during vinification strengthened the structure of the wines.