2005 Château Cantenac-Brown
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Cantenac Brown is another vintage that I have not tasted for a number of years. It is very pure on the nose with copious blackberry and raspberry scents, sous-bois and just a hint of cough candy. This is evolving nicely. The palate is well balanced with mellowing tannins that frame the minty black fruit, spicebox and (again) just that hint of menthol that enlivens the finish. This is an excellent Margaux, drinking perfectly now, but it has the substance to last 20 years, possibly more. Excellent. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Cantenac Brown offers an intriguing combination of plush fruit and intense tannins. Ripe red cherry fruit, cedar, spice, tobacco, menthol, cedar and rose petal all meld together in this decidedly luscious, bold Margaux. Soft curves and silky tannins make the 2005 a total pleasure to drink today, but it has more than enough freshness to develop well in bottle for another decade plus. This sumptuous Margaux is an absolute beauty.
Tasted blind. Tight and focused on the nose. Youthful with marked tannins. Not yet ready. But it should all fall into place. (JR)
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.