The wine blends 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere.
Here we have the surprise of the 2022 Bordeaux Tasting. What a huge freshness in this wine. It dances like a primaballerina over your palate, such light-footed and elegant. Great finesse and purity&clarity in the fruit. Another beauty.
98/100
This is one that has me curious. I’ve seen several positive notes on this board and most of the critics have it in the high 90s, but @William_Kelley was a bit cooler on it at 94 (though with a qualitatively positive note). That 94 is in line with his view of the '20, but a sight short of his glowing take on the '19. I have noted generally in his 2022 reviews that Margaux as an appellation fared a bit worse than in other recent good vintages. WK, if you’ve got a minute, would love to hear any comparative thoughts you have on this. (Am quite confident that your score was carefully considered – just curious if you have any notion what is driving the difference of opinion. Perhaps the answer is that this is a mountain out of a molehill and a 3-point difference is not worth hurting one’s head about!)
We discussed about Mr. Kelley in general at the tasting and he was highly praised for his TNs, views, scoring, especially his rather conservative or defensive scoring. BTW, I heared from our host that his wines are magnificent.
For me Brane Cantenac was the second favorite 2022er at the tasting. I even thought that it has a certain Burgundian flair/touch which was shared by our host, a true Burgundy lover.
„Take it with a pinch of salt because I’m a merchant, but I think this is the best Brane they’ve ever produced. I bought multiple cases (halves, bts, mags. 3L) en primeur for myself. It stood out at the UGC tasting in November for me, and I went out and bought more both professionally & personally.“
Tom Mann
Did you have the chance to taste the 2022 Beau-Sejour Becot which is also said to have a burgundian profile? I was very impressed with that wine! For me it’s a 97p minimum.
No, but we had Rauzan-Segla which also had a burgundian touch and we all loved. For me 97/100.
Dang. I have both of the Beau Sejour and the Rauzan Segla coming too. Glad I got off the fence and jumped into 2022 Bordeaux
I have not had the 2022, but if it is better than the 2005 and 2016, it is really special.
By coincidence I discovered today a wine blog by the Swiss wine-journalist, Adrian van Velsen. He attended a Ch. Brane-Cantenac vertical and posted his impressions at the end of october at this blog. More than 30 vintages were presented at the Chateau.
Here his TN regarding the 2022 vintage:
2022, Margaux AOC 2ème Grand Cru Classé Château Brane-Cantenac, Frankreich, Bordeaux, Margaux Was für ein Duft, ein Parfüm sondergleichen, komplex, verspielt, Cassis, Schwarzkirsche, Brombeeren, Veilchenblüten, noble Röstnoten, mineralische Untertöne; saftiger Gaumen, ungemein druckvoll, gleichzeitig hochelegant, reifes Tannin, satte Frucht, top Säure, jedes Element ist an seinem Platz, knackig, saftig, voller Spannung und mit grosser Länge. Für eine kleine Ewigkeit gebaut. 2030 bis 2065.
„What a fragrance, a perfume like no other, complex, playful, cassis, black cherry, blackberries, violet blossoms, noble toasty notes, mineral undertones; a juicy palate, incredibly powerful, yet highly elegant, ripe tannins, rich fruit, perfect acidity, every element in its place, crisp, juicy, full of tension and with great length. Built to last a lifetime. 2030-2065“ via Google translator
98/100
Ranked 3rd at VINOUS Top 100 of 2025
