Chateau Cantenac Brown BriO 2019
(Bordeaux, France) 750mL - [DM 91] [VM 90]

About the Winery:
The wines of Cantenac Brown are typically Margaux in character - fragrant and perfumed on the nose and medium bodied and harmonious on the palate, with soft cassis-scented fruits and a lingering finish. Ranked a 3rd growth in the Classification of 1855, the winery was purchased by AXA Millésimes in 1989. The AXA team, led at that time by the since semi-retired Jean-Michel Cazes, with the help of Daniel Llose and under the direction of Christian Seely, has turned the estate around. The team already had a history of success in Bordeaux, not least at Lynch-Bages but at other estates such as Pichon-Baron, Suduiraut and Quinta do Noval. 

The Grape Harvest:
The gamble paid off!  The harvest took place over four week, in excellent conditions, even though we had  to contend with some cloud cover.  The blends, overseen by Tristan Le Lous, were then refined.  The first tastings reveal a vintage of exceptional class: Fresh, dense, with present yet delicate tannins. 

Varietals: 48% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

Aging: 25% new French oak barrels, 75% one year used

Ratings & Reviews

91 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Bramble aromas alongside wild herbal notes and touches of cedar and wood spice. Crunchy and vibrant fruit, this has a really lovely clarity and precision to both the fruit flavours and the tannins. Supple but also with tension and a sense of drive from start to finish. An enticing mineral, wet stone edge underneath as well which gives lift and freshness. A lovely second wine with style. (Drink between 2024-2035)" - Georgina HIndle (Mar 2022)

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown is a powerful, deep wine.  Aburst of succulent red cherry fruit, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco lends exuberance.  This open-knit, invinting second wine will be a delight to drink over the next handful of years." - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2022)