José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice. (NM)

Checking in as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot that will spend 18 months in barrel, the 2019 Château Cantenac Brown is a beautiful Margaux, offering a deep purple color, loads blackcurrant and blueberry fruits, full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and notes of chocolate, dried flowers, leather, and spice. This is one sexy, opulent Margaux that does everything right. It's going to be ready to go on release yet should have two decades of prime drinking.

0A ton of tightly packed black fruits are right there on the attack of this wine, along with enticing aromatic power. It's a well-muscled Cantenac Brown with a sleek, carefully controlled tannic hold alongside liquorice and black chocolate notes - good stuff. New owner at this property as of 2019, Tristan Le Lous. 60% new oak, with 51% of overall production in the first wine.(JA)