96pts Wine Enthusiast

While the wood flavors are palpable in this wine, so are the firm tannins and dense black fruit. These elements suggest a wine that will have power and great concentration while also generous blackberry fruits.

93pts Decanter

Dark cassis fruit notes run right through the body of the wine, the oak slightly overpowering on the attack but brought perfectly back into balance by the time you are halfway through. It's enjoyable and confident, there is plenty of character, and it stretches out nicely through the palate, maintaining interest. Accomplished winemaking.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Brane-Cantenac starts off a tad restrained and reluctant to show, opening out to notes of baked blackberries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of cigar box and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wearing a lot of muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length. Needs time!