Chateau Brane Cantenac 2001

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château, the 2001 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It has impressive lift on the nose: blackberry, raspberry and minerals, a bouquet that is captivating. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a core of black fruit, spice and licorice with a lovely peacock's tail on the finish. This is a Margaux with a skip in its step, more light-hearted and carefree than the 2000. I have always adored this wine and it is showing extremely well with 14 years on the clock. This is quite simply superb."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "A great, rich wine from what owner Henri Lurton calls a classic year. There are huge, sweet tannins, solid black fruit flavors and ripeness, without losing sight of balance between richness, dryness and acidity. This is a wine that will age over many years."

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Rubin-Granat. In der Nase pfeffriges Holunder- und Weichselnbouquet, helle Kaffeenote, reife, kleine rote Beeren, Fliedernoten. Saftiger Gaumen, samtene, süss ausstrahlende, velourshafte Gerbstoffe, Extrakt voller Himbeeren, reife Tannine, jetzt schon viel Harmonie gebend, schöne Länge zeigend. Ein burgundischer Margaux mit Saft und Eleganz."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Loads of blackberry and tobacco on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Serious concentration for the vintage, yet outstanding finesse. I like this as much as the 2000. Best after 2008. 11,665 cases made."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium bodied, finesse styled wine with a fresh, soft, elegant, cherry, tobacco and earthy character. Lots of charm, and fragrance, but not a lot of depth. The wine was made from a blend with an unusually high percentage of Merlot: 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc."