Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential. Tasted twice.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential. Tasted twice.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential. Tasted twice.

Wine Enthusiast (92)

91-93 A rounded, soft-tannined ripe wine, which shows traces of black currant jelly as well as good acidity. It is attractive, layering sweetness with good, ripe fruit.

Wine Spectator (93-96)

Fresh berry and currant, with mint and spices. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Toasted oak, ripe fruit, everything. A beauty. Best ever. Score range: 93-96 -JS

Wine Spectator (93-96)

Fresh berry and currant, with mint and spices. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Toasted oak, ripe fruit, everything. A beauty. Best ever. Score range: 93-96 -JS

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2014 Cantenac Brown has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar, crushed violet and cold stone aromas. I love the detail and focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, supple and almost velvety in texture, the acidity well judged with a rounded, lightly spiced finish that feels so tender, yet does not shortchange you on persistence. This is one of the best Cantenac-Brown wines that I have encountered in recent years. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

A rich, exotic wine, the 2015 Cantenac Brown is simply stunning. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, licorice and leather all flesh out in this ample, voluptuous Margaux. A rush of super-ripe dark cherry, plum, violet, lavender and sweet French oak builds as this plush, explosive wine shows off its bold personality. The 2015 is quite concentrated and extracted in style, and yet all the elements are wonderfully fused together. I would give the 2015 at least a few years to assimilate some of its new oak.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2016 Cantenac Brown seems to have grown aromatically since I last tasted it a few months ago. More complex than I remember, this offers a cornucopia of scents: blackberry, briary, cedar and a lovely mintiness that recalls Palmer. The palate is silky smooth with great depth and delineation, satin-like, multi-layered, precocious black fruit laced with black pepper, tea leaves and cloves, all fanning out gloriously towards the finish. Bon vin! Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2017 Cantenac Brown has really come together nicely. The typically overt Cantenac Brown style is present in a round, supple Margaux that exudes textural richness and raciness. Dark cherry, spice, chocolate and licorice all flesh out in this wonderfully inviting, supple Margaux, with pretty savory notes that add freshness and energy. This understated wine is all class.

Wine Enthusiast (95-97)

This is a rich wine, full of generous black fruits and ripe tannins that give it both a powerful yet stylish nature. Its weight comes from the fine black fruit flavor, with fine acidity to the cut fruitiness.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

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.

The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)

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.

The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)

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.

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.

The Clos Margalaine 2013 is an elegant interpretation of the celebrated Pauillac appellation. This exquisite blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot marries intensity with finesse in a symphony of dark berry and cedar undertones. The harmonious blend spent 12 months in seasoned French oak, adding layers of complex character to the final cuvée.

This exceptional vintage hails from the renowned wine district of Bordeaux, where the specific terroir nurtures the uniqueness of every grape variety.

Clos Margalaine is borne out of the dedication of Château Margaux's team, spearheaded by Margaux’s esteemed Director, Philippe Bascaules. Their commitment to lasting sustainability practices unsurprisingly led to the birth of this gem, displaying once again their mastery in winemaking.

Perfect for discerning palates, the Clos Margalaine 2013 is an embodiment of finely crafted Bordeaux, aged to perfection and indicative of the brilliance behind each bottle.

The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 captivates with its entrancing allure. As a second wine from the illustrious Château Prieuré-Lichine estate in the prominent Margaux appellation, it reflects the well-respected terroir of Bordeaux with elegance. The vintners skilfully concoct a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, which endows the libation with its complex, multi-faceted character. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 is matured in 30% new oak barrels for a period of 14 months, resulting in a harmonious fusion of fruit and oak, culminating in stunning depth and balance.

Savour the wine's expressive bouquet draped in blackcurrant, cherry, and spicy oak. It delivers a smooth, rounded palate adorned with well-integrated, ripe tannins. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 is a superb reflection of Margaux's extraordinary terroir and the exceptional expertise housed within the revered Château Prieuré-Lichine estate.

As an expression of classy viticulture, the Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2012 is an elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Produced in the acclaimed Maison du Vin de Margaux in Bordeaux, France, this is an emblem of the expertise of Château Prieuré-Lichine, a renowned fourth growth estate in the Margaux appellation.

Borne of a philosophy that combines precision and respect for terroir, this wine exhibits all the finesse and power characteristic of its homeland. Preserved through traditional vinification methods, it comes rich with well-rounded tannins and sumptuous dark fruit aromas. Leaving a lasting impression on the palate, this wine is characterised by its excellent balance and depth.

Backed by years of fine winemaking history, the Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2012 is a testament to the enduring marvel of Bordeaux's traditional blending. It encapsulates the complexity and sublime elegance that true wine aficionados will undoubtedly savour and appreciate.

The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2021 is a sophisticated blend from the world-renowned Bordeaux region of France. This exquisite wine is gracefully composed of premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, offering an unparalleled drinking experience. The producer, Château Prieuré-Lichine, a respected fourth growth Margaux, remains committed to traditional winemaking methods. Each stage, from meticulous vineyard management to slow barrel ageing, is artfully handled to author a dynamic, full-bodied wine.

Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2021 showcases a harmonious meld of dark fruit and spice character, encapsulating the classic elegance of the Margaux appellation. Its multi-layered palate underlines seductive notes of ripe berries, integrated with velvety tannins and a lingering finish. The nuanced, luxuriant vintage does justice to its storied lineage, affirming its place amongst the elite Bordeaux wines. An indulgence for any fine wine connoisseur, Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2021 invites you to experience the quintessence of refined French winemaking.

Wine Spectator (90)

Plenty of blackberry, currant and cherry character. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. A mellow and well-defined '96. One of the best Issans in ages. Best after 2000. 10,000 cases made.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2008 d’Issan has a fragrant bouquet with pretty blackberry, briary, cedar and crushed rose petal scents that unfolds nicely in the glass. It is not a powerful Margaux, yet it is very well defined, correct in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, quite rounded tannin. This is well balanced with plenty of freshness, crisp and taut and offers a tang of spice towards the finish. This 2008 is evolving with style and panache, drinkable now but probably offering another decade of drinking pleasure. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirits’ annual vertical tasting.)

Wine Enthusiast (95)

94-96 A very structured wine, retaining great acidity and freshness. The tannins cut right to the heart of the wine. The aftertaste is solid and chunky.