Beautifully knitted down, this has energy and character, classical, sculpted, this is very much what you want from great Left Bank classified, excellent quality, cassis and enrobed silky tannins, cappuccino. No sharp acidity here in any way, balanced with just the right amount of reserve. 2nd vintage in the new cellar since inauguration in 2024.

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2025 Cantenac Brown unwinds in the glass with notes of crème de criss, pencil shavings and a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and suave, with sweet, powdery tannins and a fleshy, enveloping profile, it's broad-shouldered but judiciously extracted. (WK)

The 2025 Cantenac Brown has a lovely lift on the nose, with brambly black fruit, crushed stone and a light iris flower scent, not as intense as the Brane-Cantenac but cut from a similar cloth. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine, lace-like tannins. This Margaux is all about purity, lightly spiced, with a gentle grip on the finish. This is a classy, sophisticated Cantenac Brown. (NM)