2010 Chateau Cantenac Brown 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux

Neal Martin 94

The 2010 Cantenac Brown performed extremely well in the Southwold blind tasting. Here, the nose demands coaxing from the glass before revealing beautifully defined blackberry, boysenberry, earth and mint aromas, perhaps a little more floral than a couple of years ago. Medium-bodied on the palate, this 2010 is focused and delivers plenty of substance; it’s quite linear at the moment, yet sophisticated, and is as fresh as a daisy on the finish. Superb. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château. [Neal Martin, 11/10/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2050

Stephen Tanzer 90+

Bright ruby-red. Sharply delineated if youthfully strict aromas of bitter cherry and violet. Then densely packed and juicy, with very firm underlying structure to the intense, rather cool flavors of cassis, minerals, licorice and herbs. With its firm-edged tannins and serious spine, this wine conveys an impression of medicinal austerity today, but its inner-mouth perfume and length suggest that it will age beautifully. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2013]

Vinous 91-94

(66% cabernet sauvignon and 34% merlot) Inky-purple. Initially reserved nose opens with air to reveal pure, vibrant scents of crushed black cherry, violet and minerals. Juicy and tight in the mouth, with penetrating flavors of black cherry, cassis, smoke and coffee and showing very good balance. A dense but weightless wine with wonderful energy and terrific lift. Finishes intensely minerally and long, with broad, mounting tannins that dust the palate. Cantenac Brown has been on a roll of late. [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2011]

Wine Advocate 86

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Cantenac Brown has a rather feral/animal nose with notes of smoked meat, leather and game over a core of prunes, figs, mushrooms and dried herbs. Full-bodied, it has mature earthy/savory flavors with a chewy texture and lively backbone, finishing warm and herbal. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 21/02/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2029