2018 Cantenac Brown, Margaux (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1408639
95-97 points
Wine Enthusiast
This is a rich wine, full of generous black fruits and ripe tannins that give it both a powerful yet stylish nature. Its weight comes from the fine black fruit flavor, with fine acidity to the cut fruitiness. (RV)
(4/2019)
93-96 points
Vinous
The 2018 Cantenac Brown is powerful, deep and super expressive, with striking persistence and terrific overall balance. The interplay of fruit intensity, aromatic depth and structure is compelling. In the 2018, the Grand Vin has a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon than in the past, plus drops of Franc, that give an added touch of energy. There is plenty of density and richness, but my impression is that the wine is also a bit less extracted than it has been in the recent past. The blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times. (AG)
(4/2019)
94 points
Decanter
This is delicious, silky in texture and filled with luscious black fruits, exotic spiced liquorice and sweet blackberry. Touches of grilled cedar and just a trace of heat appear at the final furlong, along with a hint of menthol. The tannins close their fist around the fruit, reflecting the small berry size in the Cabernets, the percentage of which is slightly up this year as new plantings have come on line. It's an impressive construction, a little less elegant than the 2016 but with a ton of personality and a sense of bursting out of its borders, not yet fully tamed - and hugely appealing as a result. (JA)
(4/2019)
93-94 points
James Suckling
This CB has an extremely energetic palate with beautiful elegance and power. Pure and bright. Really lively. Firm and chewy tannins.
(4/2019)
91-93 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cantenac Brown is deep garnet-purple in color and a little coy to begin and then, with coaxing, opens out to lovely red roses, black tea, violets and underbrush scents with a core of warm red and black currants and chocolate-covered cherries. Full-bodied and laden with perfumed red and black fruit layers, it has a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and a long, fragrant finish. (RP)
(4/2019)
K&L Notes
93-95 points Neal Martin in Vinous: "The 2018 Cantenac Brown has a sophisticated, engaging bouquet intense, mineral-driven black fruit. This is very classy and evidences prudent use of new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, superb acidity, impressive harmony and a silky-smooth texture that belies the depth and persistence of this outstanding Margaux. José Sanfins and his team have overseen a -brilliant Cantenac Brown that comes highly recommended." (11/2019)