95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2010 Château Brane-Cantenac appears to have shut down, yet it still shows incredible potential. Revealing a deep plum hue as well as terrific darker currant, smoked tobacco, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, rich, concentrated mouthfeel, beautifully sweet tannins, and a great finish. It has an incredible amount of sweet fruit, plenty of structure, and a great mid-palate; however, it needs another 4-5 years of bottle age to hit prime time. I followed this bottle for multiple days, and it was just about impervious to air and should have another 2+ decades of overall longevity.

95pts Vinous

The 2010 Brane-Cantenac was picked September 27 to October 14. It remains closed on the nose despite vigorous aeration, although there are shards of light as it reveals gorgeous, stony black fruit and pencil lead aromas, plus a hint of iris. The palate is medium-bodied and incredibly well focused, displaying razor-sharp tannin and a balletic poise from start to finish that belies the awesome structure of this Margaux. It is almost clinical on the finish, completing a stunning Brane-Cantenac that has a long future ahead of it. A benchmark for Henri Lurton. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Brane-Cantenac features bold scents of redcurrant jelly, kirsch and cassis plus nuances of forest floor, tree bark, fungi and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of bright, energetic fruit with a grainy texture and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

94pts Wine Enthusiast

One of the Lurton properties in Margaux, Brane Cantenac is showing the richness of its finely placed vineyard in this 2010. Smoky wood and ripe blackberry are among the flavors of a wine that is complex, complete and concentrated. It will certainly age well.

94pts James Suckling

Pretty red fruits such as cherries in this wine with chewy tannins and fresh acidity. Toasted oak too. Needs time to come together. Dense and complete for this estate. Better than 2009. Better after 2016.

93pts Wine Spectator

This is dark and grippy, with charcoal, roasted bay and chestnut leaf notes fronting a muscular core of steeped black currant, loganberry and black cherry flavors. Taut plum pit and iron hints thread the finish, revealing a lingering charcoal note. Very solid and suited for aging.

Winemaker Notes

The 2010's are going through an evolutionary period and are quite closed at the moment – a good sign that they will be all the better in a few years’ time. The nose was highly aromatic a few months ago but has recently become more restrained. In the mouth the wine has incredible concentration and soft, fine tannins that are relatively unpronounced. The wine has a remarkable freshness with perfectly ripe fruit flavors. Excellent length with a magnificent spicy finish and velvety texture.