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.

Beau rouge sombre pourpre. Nez moyennement intense et fruité. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, le vin évolue dense et plein pour le millésime, avec du goût et des tannins présents, mais enrobés. Longueur normale, avec une touche de vivacité dans la persistance.

A firm and chewy red with notes of currants, bark, tea leaves and walnut husk. Medium-bodied, firm, ripe and compact. Pretty, clear fruit. Blackcurrants. 73% cabernet sauvignon and 27% merlot.

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.