Chateau Brane-Cantenac Margaux (Grand Cru Classe) 2015

Second-Growth Margaux, Château Brane-Cantenac, is one to watch.

While it has a history dating back almost 300 years, it is owner and winemaker Henri Lurton’s focus on modern techniques that is putting Brane-Cantenac in the spotlight.

Drawing on his qualifications in Biology, Oenology and even Ampelography (the botany of grape vines) Lurton has instilled a commitment towards an organic and sustainable approach to winemaking.

An ongoing program of replanting, improved vineyard management, investment in cutting edge methods in the winery and continual analysis of how the vines, grapes and wines are progressing have all contributed to creating a Margaux of consistently high quality.

The 75-hectare estate grows marginally more Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Carmenère. The result is a perfumed, elegant Margaux with structure and complexity that only deepens with age.

An exquisite array of fruit on the compelling nose: boysenberry, raspberry confit and crushed strawberry, all laced with pressed violets and an underlying chalky/mineral vein.

The fresh, linear, medium-bodied palate presents a rare elegance with depth, richness, beautiful supple and delicate tannin, a fine bead of acidity and an immensely long finish.

Superb.