The 2016 Brane-Cantenac from the Bordeaux region of France is a red wine blend that has garnered significant attention from wine critics for its exceptional structure and elegance. This wine utilizes a classic Bordeaux blend composition, with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenere. It boasts an alcohol content of 13.5% and is sealed with a cork closure.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate highly praises the 2016 Brane-Cantenac, awarding it an outstanding score of 98 points. Neal Martin describes it as "simply the best" he has ever tasted from the estate, noting its "mineral-rich black fruit laced with cedar and graphite notes" and highlighting its "tension" and "persistence." Such high praise sets a benchmark for future vintages.
James Suckling also lauds the wine, giving it a score of 96 points. He notes the "great structure and panache" and suggests that the wine will improve with age, recommending consumption after 2024. Similarly, Decanter awarded the wine 96 points, appreciating its "subtle density, power, freshness, and elegance."
Wine Spectator provides a slightly more conservative score of 93 points but appreciates its "coffee edge" and "steeped plum and black cherry fruit," labeling it as having a "touch old-school" charm. Meanwhile, Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck each score the wine at 95 points, both emphasizing its structured tannins and vibrant fruitiness.
The Wine Independent scores it similarly at 95 points, praising its "deep garnet-purple color" and "splendidly concentrated" palate. Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider emphasizes the "finesse styled character" and "silky, sexy textures," awarding it 96 points.
Overall, the 2016 Brane-Cantenac is celebrated for its elegance, ripe fruit flavors, and long-term aging potential, making it a noteworthy choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts.