2023 Cantenac Brown Margaux En Primeur
![96 Points 96 Points](https://www.caros.co.nz/media/option_image/points-icons-96.png)
En Primeur product: order now for arrival mid 2026. Another excellent release from Cantenac Brown, with the structure to age but fruit that will be appealing not too long after arrival. From densely planted vines (up to 10,000/hectare), the wine offers pure and vibrant, cassis-tinged fruits with delicate florals and chocolatey spices wrapped around a fine tannic core. A classic Margaux that balances grace with aromatic appeal, the Cantenac Brown is exceptional for the price. Unlike other retailers (who charge a second payment on arrival), our En Primeur prices are the total and final landed cost, including GST. With the changing economic situation and foreign exchange risk, we do this to ensure you have complete certainty over what you will pay.
Grape
71.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 1.5% Petit Verdot
Its Origins
Scottish painter John Lewis Brown purchased the estate in the early 19th century, after which he followed tradition by appending 'Brown' to the name of the town, Cantenac, but then took the completely idiosyncratic step of building an English Tudor-style manor house - which still remains unique in Bordeaux. But winemaking success was not long to come, and in 1855 Cantenac Brown was rated Grand Cru Classe. After a number of subsequent owners the Halabi family purchased the estate in 2006, placing Jose Sanfins in charge of winemaking. Since then there has been a steady increase in quality, with temperature-controlled fermentation followed by aging of 12 - 15 months in 60% new oak. Meanwhile sustainable practices are used in the vineyard, along with rigorous attention to vine stock - older vines of 60+ years are preserved in conjunction with a replanting regime that is increasing vine density toward a standard of 10,000 vines per hectare.
What The Critics Say
95-96/100 James Suckling
"Impressive precision to this, offering blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries, as well as hints of cedar and dark fruit. Medium to full body. Creamy and fine tannins. Better than 2022."
94-96/100 The Wine Cellar Insider, Jeff Leve
"2023 is the first vintage produced in the new, state-of-the-art gravity cellars, which really made a difference this year. Sporting a dark hue, the intense aromatic profile shoots out its blackberry, espresso, flowers, cherries, and truffle with only a single swirl. On the palate, the wine is opulent, powerful, rich, and intense, yet, it is also light on its feet due to its complementing acidities. The finish is long, intense, energetic, and rich, with layers of sweet, polished, luscious fruits, with just a hint of spice, and peppery cocoa on the back end. The wine is a blend of 71.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 1.5% Petit Verdot. 13.6% ABV, 3.64 pH. The Grand Vin was produced using only 52% of the harvest. Picking took place September 7 - October 6, making this the longest harvest in the history of the estate." Drink 2029 - 2055
93-96/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni
"The 2023 Cantenac Brown is concentrated, ample and generous right out of the gate. Blackberry, incense, new leather, tobacco, menthol and chocolate are all amplified to the maximum. As is often the case, Cantenac Brown is one of the more extroverted wines in Margaux. It's a style that works so well. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2023 needs time to shed some of its baby fat." Drink 2033 - 2063
Variety | Cabernet Merlot Blend |
---|---|
Region | Bordeaux |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750 ml |
Maturity | 2029 - 2063 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
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2020 Bellefont Belcier St Emilion Grand Cru Classe$100.00 in mixed 6+ or $110.00 per bottle