2013 Cantenac Brown
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Cantenac Brown is a wine that tasted better from barrel than in bottle. Now with some age, I am not convinced about this wine. The aromatics feel a bit meagre, light and autumnal. The palate is better with tart red cherries and a little bitterness, but some freshness comes through on the finish. It just lacks the DNA of Cantenac Brown. Drink over the next six to eight years. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Bright dark crimson. Sweet and almost red-fruited. Fragrant and juicy with fine tannins, just a touch of chocolate on the finish. (JH)
The 2013 Cantenac Brown has a lot of damp undergrowth and pencil lead scents on the nose. There is not as much fruit as the Desmirail 2013 tasted alongside. The palate is green on the entry, something that cannot be avoided, and the finish feels dry and bitter. This was a very vexing showing from an estate that has improved in recent years and appears less impressive in bottle than out of barrel. I consider Cantenac Brown to be a Margaux property in the ascendant, so this is perhaps just a misstep in a difficult vintage.
About the producer
Tristan le Lous purchased this Third Growth in 2019, keeping on José Sanfins on as director. There has been significant work in the vineyards here, with a sustainable, organic approach across the 48 hectares.