Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2025 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The wine owes its class and character to the heart of the Cantenac plateau and its deep siliceous and clayey gravel soils, which the estate largely shares with Rauzan-Ségla. Under the direction of Henri Lurton, it consistently demonstrates—with a rather rare regularity—a suppleness and aromatic finesse all its own, making it highly sought after by wine lovers who appreciate what they expect from a fine Margaux. In the most recent vintages, it seems to have taken another step forward in the precision with which it expresses the terroir. The second wine, Baron-de-Brane, shares the same aesthetic, with supple tannins that should appeal to many restaurateurs and wine enthusiasts.

Decanter

About the wine:

Aromas of ripe, juicy blackcurrants, with great purity and expressiveness, where the fruit takes center stage alongside notes of iris. Juicy and approachable, with a lively, bright, and energetic core, yet also with a beautiful mouthfeel; very full-bodied and enveloping, with structure and concentration that harmonize perfectly with the acidity. Firm and elegant, yet with great purity; I particularly appreciate its slightly more robust character. Perhaps less charming than previous vintages, but more sophisticated. Exceptional clarity. Delightful and long on the palate. 1% Carménère rounds out the blend. pH 3.62. 12.1% press wine. 2034–2048

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This Second Growth is led with conviction and talent by Henri Lurton, who benefits from both a truly beautiful terroir and modern facilities. There, he crafts very refined wines that embody what might be called the Margaux signature—without heaviness or stylistic affectation, but with delicate fruit. The estate has just released a series of impressive vintages that are propelling it to the very top of the appellation. Now is the time to enjoy them.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

James Suckling

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Blackcurrant, graphite, violet, and tobacco: these are the aromas that characterize the 2025 Château Brane-Cantenac, a blend composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 1% each of Cabernet Franc, Carménère, and Petit Verdot, aged entirely in new French oak barrels. On the palate, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a concentrated and elegant attack, beautiful concentration and depth, well-integrated acidity, and a superb finish. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it is a resounding success for this vintage, and readers should be quick to get their hands on a bottle.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The intensity of the bouquet reveals classic Brane-Cantenac characteristics, with notes of cocoa, licorice, and black berries complemented by a hint of eucalyptus. The balance on the nose is exceptionally well-developed, highlighting elements that are somewhat contradictory—such as woody notes and youthful, even vegetal nuances. On the palate, the wine is creamy right from the first sip. This smooth texture ensures a comfortable, velvety mouthfeel with powerful tannins to anchor the finish, while a sharp edge accentuates the fresh and juicy qualities that are always welcome in Brane-Cantenac’s generous—yet not opulent—style. A flavorful, elegant, harmonious, and delightful wine! 2030–2060

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Aromas of black cherries, red currants, roses, violets, spices, and forest floor notes emerge on the nose. On the palate, the elegance and purity of the fruit are immediately recognizable. Its liveliness and dynamism, combined with its concentration and sensuality, make this an exceptional wine. The finish opens with power and lingers gently. The year 2025 marks the centennial of the Lurton family’s ownership of the estate. Look forward to a special label designed to celebrate the occasion. The 2025 vintage rivals the 2022 for the title of best vintage ever produced at the estate. The wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Carménère, and 1% Cabernet Franc. 13.3% alcohol, pH of 3.62. The harvest took place from September 2 to 19. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare. Best enjoyed between 2029 and 2065.