The 2021 Cantenac Brown is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Cantenac Brown, this wine is a composition of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, offering a balanced profile typical of its varietal and region. The wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 13%.
Several professional reviewers have lauded the 2021 vintage for its impressive quality, especially considering the challenges of the growing season. William Kelley of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates it a 93, noting its "dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of menthol, licorice and violets." Kelley describes it as "medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless," with "sweet tannins and nicely integrated acids," concluding with a "delicately vanillin-inflected finish."
Jane Anson from janeanson.com also awards it a score of 93, highlighting how it has "settled in over ageing." She praises the wine for showcasing "sculpted savoury Cabernet," with "edges of gourmet cloves, black tea, and bitter chocolate." Anson points out the use of 60% new oak barrels for ageing, which is well integrated and promises to age gracefully.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gives the highest score of 94, emphasizing the aromatic complexity with "flowers, espresso, cigar box, black and red currants and cherry scents." Leve finds the palate "fresh creamy and loaded with sweet, ripe, spicy, savory red fruits," complemented by "silky tannins and a supple finish." He deems it "very successful for the vintage."
Decanter similarly awards the wine a 93, noting the "perfumed black cherries and raspberries" on the nose and "waves of juicy, bright, red summer berries" on the palate. They commend the wine’s "great character" and "good definition, energy, and classicism," along with a "touch of bitter black chocolate" on the finish.
James Suckling also praises the wine with a 93 score, appreciating its "dark chocolate, hazelnuts, tea leaves, herbs and dark berry fruit" aromas. He describes it as "precise and focused, with tight, firm tannins" and an "elegant but solid structure."
Antonio Galloni from Vinous echoes the high praise, scoring it 94 and calling the wine "superb" with "notable depth," featuring "black cherry, plum, spice, new leather and mocha." Galloni notes the wine's "notable textural richness" and describes it as "drop-dead gorgeous."
In summary, the 2021 Cantenac Brown is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend that showcases the strengths of its varietal composition and region, with excellent reviews from multiple professional critics highlighting its complexity, balance, and ageing potential.