James Suckling (96-97)

Fantastic depth of fruit with layers of firm, chewy tannins that are medium-grained and long in the mouth. Full and dynamic. One of the best ever.

James Suckling (96-97)

Fantastic depth of fruit with layers of firm, chewy tannins that are medium-grained and long in the mouth. Full and dynamic. One of the best ever.

The Drinks Business (93-95)

Cantenac Brown (Margaux; 73% Cabernet Sauvignon; 27% Merlot; aging in oak barrels, 60% of which are new; tasted at the UGCB press tasting). Very classy and elegant on the nose, with a seductive gentle suggestion of oak influence – vanilla and sweet spice, but all very restrained. Graphite, walnut skin and a delightful hint of the cedar to come. Deep rich berry fruit, with pleasing floral elements (more than I recall in recent vintages) – lily and peony. Pure, precise, fresh and focussed with good if not massive concentration and lovely balance and harmony. Excellent wine-making is on display here with a series of pitch perfect choices that reinforce the identity and terroir typicity of this exciting wine.

The Drinks Business (93-95)

Cantenac Brown (Margaux; 73% Cabernet Sauvignon; 27% Merlot; aging in oak barrels, 60% of which are new; tasted at the UGCB press tasting). Very classy and elegant on the nose, with a seductive gentle suggestion of oak influence – vanilla and sweet spice, but all very restrained. Graphite, walnut skin and a delightful hint of the cedar to come. Deep rich berry fruit, with pleasing floral elements (more than I recall in recent vintages) – lily and peony. Pure, precise, fresh and focussed with good if not massive concentration and lovely balance and harmony. Excellent wine-making is on display here with a series of pitch perfect choices that reinforce the identity and terroir typicity of this exciting wine.

Decanter (96)

Juicy and lively, cool and crisp with concentrated but cool tannins that give the structure and density. It's massy, full, upfront, but retains a charm in that nothing is harsh or austere or too spiced. It's full but there's something very captivating about this, has excitement and vibrancy and will be totally delicious and moreish when the time is right. Lovely acidity, beautiful red fruits, crisp and tense yet layered and ripe, mineral too. Gives you the emotion! Harvest 7-27 September. Ageing in French oak, 60% new, 40% one year old.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2023 Cantenac Brown opens with gorgeous, captivating aromatics. Crushed flowers, dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and dried autumn leaves are some of the notes that grace this elegant, super-refined Grand Vin. This is the first vintage made in the new cellar, a facility equipped with twice as many tanks as the old winery, in different sizes that allow for smaller picks. The 2023 is a beautiful wine done in a new style for the château, one that showcases an added touch of finesse. Give this a few years to come into its own. Today, Cabernet tannins are a touch imposing.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2023 Cantenac Brown opens with gorgeous, captivating aromatics. Crushed flowers, dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and dried autumn leaves are some of the notes that grace this elegant, super-refined Grand Vin. This is the first vintage made in the new cellar, a facility equipped with twice as many tanks as the old winery, in different sizes that allow for smaller picks. The 2023 is a beautiful wine done in a new style for the château, one that showcases an added touch of finesse. Give this a few years to come into its own. Today, Cabernet tannins are a touch imposing.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)

The 2017 BriO de Cantenac Brown is a plump, voluptuous wine to drink now and over the next few years. Super-ripe dark cherry, red plum, mocha, spice and new leather are all amped up in this sumptuous, Margaux. Drink it over the next handful of years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown is a powerful, deep wine. A burst of succulent red cherry fruit, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco lends exuberance. This open-knit, inviting second wine will be a delight to drink over the next handful of years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown is a powerful, deep wine. A burst of succulent red cherry fruit, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco lends exuberance. This open-knit, inviting second wine will be a delight to drink over the next handful of years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown is a powerful, deep wine. A burst of succulent red cherry fruit, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco lends exuberance. This open-knit, inviting second wine will be a delight to drink over the next handful of years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown is a powerful, deep wine. A burst of succulent red cherry fruit, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco lends exuberance. This open-knit, inviting second wine will be a delight to drink over the next handful of years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown is a powerful, deep wine. A burst of succulent red cherry fruit, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco lends exuberance. This open-knit, inviting second wine will be a delight to drink over the next handful of years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (86)

The 2020 Chevalier de Lascombes, matured entirely in one-year-old barrels, has a tightly-knit bouquet with cranberry and raspberry fruit and light floral scents. The palate is fresh on the entry with quite firm tannins, a touch of balsamic infusing the red fruit with a hint of bitterness on the finish. So-so.

Vinous - Neal Martin (86)

The 2020 Chevalier de Lascombes, matured entirely in one-year-old barrels, has a tightly-knit bouquet with cranberry and raspberry fruit and light floral scents. The palate is fresh on the entry with quite firm tannins, a touch of balsamic infusing the red fruit with a hint of bitterness on the finish. So-so.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88-90)

The 2021 Chevalier de Lascombes offers light red cherries and strawberry fruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins and fine acidity. This is quite cohesive with nicely integrated oak. A decent Deuxième Vin.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88-90)

The 2021 Chevalier de Lascombes offers light red cherries and strawberry fruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins and fine acidity. This is quite cohesive with nicely integrated oak. A decent Deuxième Vin.

Drawing from the illustrious terroirs of Margaux, our Clos des Quatres Vents 2011 is a fine depiction of traditional vinicultural craftsmanship. Produced by the venerable Luc Thienpont, this extraordinary vintage boasts a lavish blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. With a 20-month sojourn in oak barrels, the exquisite balance between strength and fruit garners laudable elegance.

Grown amidst the legendary vineyards of Bordeaux, the Clos des Quatres Vents 2011 mirrors the quintessence of its regal origin. The enchanting nose hints of ripe berries and cherries elegantly melded with subtle notes of spices and toasted oak. The deep, almost inky hue foretells the luscious array of opulent flavours, crowned by an enduring, harmonious finish.

Imbibers will struggle to resist the entrancing complexity of Clos des Quatres Vents 2011 as it offers a remarkable embodiment of Margaux's wine-making heritage.

The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2016 is a distinguished product of Bordeaux's prestigious Margaux appellation. This top-tier wine is an expression of the flawless synergy between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, a typical blend for this region. The wine matures for 14 months in French oak barrels, imparting an elegant complexity.

The producer, Château Prieuré-Lichine, has a storied history dating back to the 12th century. They meticulously practise sustainable farming, focusing on optimal vine health and respect for the environment, ensuring each vintage is a true reflection of the estate's terroir.

On tasting, the Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2016 reveals ripe blackberry and cherry notes, underscored by hints of spice and vanilla. This radiant, medium-bodied wine, with its well-integrated tannins and extended finish, demonstrates the absolute finesse of Margaux wines and provides an insight into the exceptional 2016 vintage.