Vineyards are stamped with the will of men. Begun 250 years ago, Brane-Cantenac’s legend is the tale of a thriving relationship between man and earth, which grows stronger as the ages go by. Named ‘Hostein’ in the 18th Century, this great wine estate was bought by the Gorce family, and produced one of the Medoc’s most renowned wines long before the 1855 classification.

As for our 2nd wine, Baron de Brane, its name pays hommage to the famous Baron Jacques-Maxime de Brane, the ’Napoléon des Vignes’, owner of the property in the 19th Century. For the past four generations the Lurton family has been at the helm, devoted wardens who continue to ensure that the property flourishes, producing wines of the greatest quality.

Remarkable intensity on the nose, with rare notes of apricot, pineapple and peach. Hints of white pepper and red fruits reveal themselves on the second nose. The attack is round with very elegant tannins. The wine is wonderfully smooth and velvety in texture, with exceptional length, reinforced by a strong aromatic finish.

A delicate nose of black fruits and liquorice, with subtle floral aromas and a touch of fresh leather. An elegant, youthful attack with good concentration and fullness. A round midpalate with silky tannins. The finish is long and aromatic, with smoky notes. This is a powerful, well-made wine, with strong ageing potential.

95 points Jeb Dunnuck

 Showing beautifully, the 2009 Château Brane-Cantenac is loaded with classic Margaux notes of sandalwood, dried flowers, spice, truffle, and blackcurrants. Based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up in 70% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied and has a beautifully textured, elegant mouthfeel, terrific mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It's a quintessential, elegant yet textured, concentrated Margaux to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years.  (11/2020)

94 points Decanter

 This feels very much the epitome of Margaux in a successful vintage. Concentrated ripe black fruits display an effortless elegance, with well-rounded tannins. It has finesse, grip and intensity, and although it's not quite at the same level as the 2015, it's very good indeed. (JA)  (2/2019)

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2009 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 40% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc, has an extremely pure and sensual bouquet with ripe red cherries, blackberry, minerals and incense that is totally irresistible. The palate is silky smooth with very fine tannin, a great core of tensile red berry fruit with compelling mineralité towards the structured, Pauillac-like finish. This is a top-quality Brane-Cantenac, one of the best under Henri Lurton. One of the most prosaically 'delicious' Brane-Cantenac releases in recent years. Tasted April 2015. (NM)  (12/2016)

94 points Vinous

 The 2009 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 22 to October 9 with a modest 13.4° alcohol. This has long been a great Margaux. It is very delineated and yet very generous on the bravura bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, crushed stone, cedar and a touch of mint. The palate is fresh and bursting with energy right from the start. There is plenty of weight and presence here, but that tension binds this Brane-Cantenac together. Then there is that Pauillac-inspired, graphite finish that lingers for 45+ seconds. This is one of Henri Lurton’s best wines. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château. (NM)  (1/2019)

94 points Wine Enthusiast

 Warm and rounded, this spicy wine has wood flavors just showing through the ripe fruit. It is already delicious, with rich blackberry flavors right up front, although its aging potential is evident with the concentrated, deep structure. *Cellar Selection* (RV)  (2/2012)

92 points James Suckling

 Plenty of fresh plum fruit alongside the bitter chocolate in the nose, but on the palate this retains the Margaux lightness and elegant dryness, the finish just slightly warm.  (3/2019)

92 points Wine Spectator

 Ripe and fleshy, with an enticing mix of linzer torte, currant confiture and crushed plum fruit offset by hints of briar and bay leaf. The long finish lets roasted apple wood, singed iron and tobacco leaf notes fill in, while staying plush in feel. Combines the ripeness of the vintage with a nice old-school feel. (JM)  (3/2012)

91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

 Good deep red. Pretty cassis and floral aromas. Silky, subtle and fresh, with sound acidity framing the pungent dark berry and lightly herbal flavors. Very nicely balanced wine with an elegant finish featuring suave tannins, an intriguing saline quality and subtle persistence. (ST)  (7/2012)