2012 Château Cantenac-Brown
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Tasting notes
This shows a lot of oak on the nose but the fruit is sweet and ripe. More reined back in terms of ripeness than in recent years, this remains a modern style that will need time to enable the wood to integrate. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
FINE+RARE
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Cantenac Brown is a vintage that, oddly, I have never tasted in bottle, only in barrel. It is open-knit on the nose with blackberry, wild hedgerow, loam and light minty aromas, although it does not possess the complexity of say the 2014 or 2017. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, fine depth and balance, marine-infused black fruit mixed with a well-structured, almost Saint-Julien inspired finish. This is a very commendable, classically-styled Margaux that should drink well over the next 15 years. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.
Tasted blind. Bright crimson. Lots of shine. Some asperity on the front palate. Pinched palate. Sandpaper finish. (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.