The 2021 Cantenac Brown is another fine effort from a Margaux estate that's been on something of a roll of late. Unwinding in the glass with notions of cassis, wild berries, loamy soil and cigar box, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with good concentration, lively acids and a nicely defined finish. José Sanfins and his team opted to wait to pick the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon between the fourth and 12th of October, and that appears to have paid off. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, and just over half the estate's production went into the grand vin.

Le vin affiche de la droiture et de la mâche en bouche. Il est enrobé par un boisé toasté qui l’habille bien, mais le couvre un peu à ce stade. Tonique en finale et bien allongé.

Couleur sombre, unie et belle. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité, pur, légèrement vanillé. Evolution vers des nuances crémeuses et des touches de café à l'agitation du verre. Une personnalité aromatique précise et rarement vue dans ce cru jusqu'alors. Texture minutieuse et raffinée dès l'entrée en bouche. Le vin évolue en caressant le palais, très uni, très séducteur, moins puissant que d'habitude, un peu plus aérien, mais aussi un brin salin. Bonne longueur séveuse.

Dark chocolate, hazelnuts, tea leaves, herbs and dark berry fruit on the nose. It’s precise and focused, with tight, firm tannins that provide an elegant but solid structure. Sleek and long. 73% cabernet sauvignon and 27% merlot. Try from 2026.

Perfumed black cherries and raspberries on the nose. Lovely sculpting, you get waves of juicy, bright, red summer berries and just-ripe red cherries with creamy, chalky edges. Tannins are present and linger on the tongue, gently gripping the flavours. This has great character, not too dense nor expansive, but good definition, energy and classicism with slate and crushed stone. Touch of bitter black chocolate marks the finish which is extremely attractive. Excellent job from winemaker José Sanfins.