Château Brane-Cantenac 2020

Wineadvocate

The 2020 Brane-Cantenac has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of blackberries and crème de cassis mingled with notions of licorice, pencil shavings, violets and subtle hints of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a lavish core of fruit, ripe acids and sweet tannins that assert themselves on the savory finish, it can't quite match the purity and sensuality of the 2019, but it's a strong effort. - WK 04/2023

Vinous

The 2020 Brane-Cantenac screams with Cabernet Sauvignon character, concentrated by the natural richness of the year. Super-ripe dark blue/black fruit, blueberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender, sage and menthol meld together, giving the Brane-Cantenac an exotic quality that is impossible to miss. The oak imprint remains quite present, but at the same time, it is well balanced. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of floral and savory notes that add character and a feeling of updated classicism. Yields were 31 hectoliters per hectare as opposed to the more typical 40 or so. (Drink between 2026-2040) - AG 02/2023

Beck

S'il y a bien un élément qu'il faut louer dans le bouquet de Brane-Cantenac c'est sa fraîcheur, son végétal noble, son Cabernet bien assumé ! Evidemment, le tout est complété par des nuances d'iris, de tabac blond et de cassis. Enfin, en résumé, c'est complexe ! Ce que le bouquet annonce avec un côté très affirmatif et bien assumé par le palais. Le vin a de la richesse, de la sucrosité, de la profondeur, et du pep. Les tannins, aux grains fins, sont en phase avec une acidité qui l'aide à agiter les papilles gustatives… elle est énergisante ! Un vin charmant, convaincant et j'ai envie de finir avec végétal, parce que c'est bon et qu'on aime ça. Voilà, c'est dit ! 2027-2047 - YB 01-2023

Suckling

Blackberries, plums, currants, tobacco and violets on the nose. Bitter chocolate and mocha, too. It’s refined and focused, with a medium to full body and firm, tightly-knit tannins. Very long, laser-focused and polished. Very classy. Best of the trilogy. Try after 2027. - 12/2022

Dunnuck

This estate has been on a roll, and their 2020 Château Brane-Cantenac is another brilliant wine that readers will love. Largely in the mold of the 2019, it has a deep purple hue as well as an incredible bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherries, freshly sharpened pencils, tobacco, and flowers. This medium to full-bodied, richly textured, concentrated, yet remarkably elegant 2020 has the vintage's fresher, focused, elegant profile but still brings plenty of flesh and opulence. Beautifully done, it’s going to evolve for a solid 30 years in cold cellars and offer incredible pleasure all its life. - 03/2023