Château Cantenac-Brown, in the Margaux appellation, was designated as a Third Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and has a long history of fine wine production. Similar to many Bordeaux estates, the château has changed ownership several times over the past century with some periods of underperformance but has re-established its quality reputation in the past two decades. The 2021 Cantenac-Brown is a lovely example of Margaux style. Ripe blackcurrant, black cherry and red cherry fruits are followed by hints of violets, cocoa, roasted coffee and baking spices plus subtle tones of herbs and earth. On the palate, it is impressive for its generous fruit and layering of complex flavors plus the sleek elegance that marks the best Margaux wines. The 2021 Cantenac-Brown is a fine Bordeaux that shows exceptionally well in the difficult 2021 harvest. It can cellar well for another 20 years.
93 Wayne Belding
Château Cantenac-Brown, Margaux (Bordeaux, France) 2021 ($57)
By Wayne Belding
