2006 Brane Cantenac

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. 45.6 hl/ha. Deep crimson hue. Dark fruit with a touch of mint and leaf. Not the body of 2005 but lively, fresh and appealing. Tannins slightly grainy on the finish but the wine is not finished yet. (JL)

The 2006 Brane-Cantenac was fermented at lower temperatures in order to avoid over-extraction. This is borne out on the nose which shows freshly rolled tobacco and sandalwood like before, more refined and focused than some of its peers and slightly blacker in fruit profile than the 2005. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Naturally, it does not possess the density and backbone of the previous vintage, but it feels balanced with a pleasant sapidity on the finish. Drink this over the next decade. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.

Medium intensity stately velvet colour, mouthwatering. Tannins remain a little sticky and the freshness is on the high side, but there are dark berry fruits here, and plenty of lift and momentum. Ageing potential ahead of it, and I would imagine it will have a more charming moment than this. Harvest September 16 to October 6, 45.6hl/h yield, 3.79p, 70% new French oak for ageing, a vintage saved by September; like 2004. Jacques Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner and estate director, Christophe Capdeville technical director.