Tasting Notes
Vinous 92/100
The 2012 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 27 to October 16. It has a straight-down-the-fairway, classic nose for this estate, featuring open tobacco and graphite aromas that display great vivacity. You would think this was a Pauillac if tasted blind. The medium-bodied palate is more saline compared to previous bottles, delivering fine tannin and a tang of white pepper and fennel toward the finish that lingers in the mouth. This was a big surprise, but the 2012s have really blossomed in bottle, and this is no different. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2045
Robert Parker 90
Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2012 Brane-Cantenac, now in bottle, has developed a satisfying bouquet of blackberry, tar and tobacco, keeping within the Brane-Cantenac style, but perhaps delivering a little more fruit intensity than it showed out of barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and well-judged acidity. There is a pleasant fleshiness here with a salinity on the finish that urges another sip. This is commendable for the vintage, although I would suggest it will offer more pleasure in its youth, rather than something that I would insist upon cellaring. Tasted January 2016.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
Tasted blind. Very dark blackish purple. Interesting and challenging nose with some complexity already. Round, dense and (just) sufficiently ripe. Rather dramatic and the modern overlay almost distracts from the slight greenness buried deep beneath.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2033