Château Brane-Cantenac - 2er Cru Classé 2010 - 750 mL

Château Brane-Cantenac - 2ème Cru Classé 2010 - 750 mL

Overview
Château Brane-Cantenac is a distinguished Second Growth (2ème Cru Classé) estate from the Margaux appellation in Bordeaux, France. Known for its finesse, elegance, and complex structure, this wine is a quintessential expression of Margaux terroir. The 2010 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Bordeaux's modern history, producing wines of incredible depth, concentration, and aging potential.

The Estate

Château Brane-Cantenac has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It earned its 2ème Cru Classé ranking in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, cementing its status among Bordeaux's elite. Owned by the Lurton family, the estate is renowned for its meticulous vineyard management and winemaking practices, which emphasize balance, precision, and respect for the terroir.

Vineyards and Terroir

The estate spans 75 hectares of vineyards, situated on the prized gravelly soils of Margaux. These well-draining soils, combined with the region's temperate climate, are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller proportions of other Bordeaux varieties.

Grape Composition (2010 Blend):

• Cabernet Sauvignon: ~62%
• Merlot: ~33%
• Cabernet Franc: ~5%

The 2010 Vintage

The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux was characterized by dry, sunny weather with cool nights, allowing for slow, even ripening of the grapes. This resulted in wines with remarkable concentration, firm tannins, and vibrant acidity—ideal for long-term aging.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep garnet with purple hues, showcasing youthful vibrancy despite its age.
• Nose: Intense aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, layered with floral notes of violet, cedar, tobacco, and a touch of graphite.
• Palate: Full-bodied with velvety tannins, offering flavors of ripe dark fruits, cocoa, licorice, and subtle spice. The wine exhibits a perfect balance between power and elegance, with a seamless integration of acidity and oak.
• Finish: Long, refined, and complex, with lingering notes of minerality and dark chocolate.

Ageing Potential

The 2010 Château Brane-Cantenac is built to age, with its robust tannic structure and balanced acidity ensuring a lifespan of 20-30 years or more. While it is already displaying complexity, it will continue to develop additional layers of tertiary notes, such as leather, truffle, and forest floor, with time in the bottle.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its richness and structure:

• Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter
• Duck confit
• Lamb chops with rosemary and thyme
• Wild mushrooms or truffle-infused dishes
• Aged cheeses, particularly Comté or Beaufort

Investment Potential

The 2010 Château Brane-Cantenac is highly sought after by collectors and investors due to its exceptional vintage and Second Growth pedigree. Wines from this vintage have shown consistent appreciation in value, making it an excellent addition to a fine wine portfolio.

Château Brane-Cantenac 2010 exemplifies the Margaux appellation's hallmark elegance and depth, offering a world-class experience for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.