97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2020 Cantenac Brown is a knock-out. A Margaux of towering intensity, the 2020 is dense and vertical at the same time. It’s a combination that works so well. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves all saturate the palate. There's real depth and concentration here from the summer heat and small size of the berries, but at the same time the 2020 has more freshness and energy than some recent years. There have been quite a few changes here in recent years, starting with a new parcel on the Margaux plateau that entered the blend in 2019 and move towards lower toast levels in the barrels. Cantenac Brown remains a potent, opulent Margaux, but 2020 has a measure of classicism as well. Superb. 12/2022

94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2020 Cantenac Brown delivered the goods from barrel. Now in bottle, it has a wonderful, very expressive and complex bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, potpourri and light graphite aromas. You could lose yourself in these aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine grip, quite firm in the mouth, good density and concentration with an almost sinewy finish. I can see this closing down for some time before reemerging. Have patience - it will be worth the wait. 12/2022

94+

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A fine follow-up to the excellent 2019, the 2020 Cantenac Brown incorporates newly acquired holdings of Cabernet Sauvignon from the plateau of Margaux. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, cassis, burning embers and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and terrific purity of fruit. Concluding with a long, penetrating finish, it underlines the fact that this is the appellation's fastest-improving estate. 04/2023

92

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique et subtil, au fruité mûr. Caressant à l’attaque, savoureux en milieu de bouche, construit avec de l’arôme, le vin s’achève long, sans angle, avec néanmoins une légère vivacité qui devrait se fondre à l’élevage. Assemblage : 67 % cabernet sauvignon, 33 % merlot. Production : 51 % de la récolte.

95

James Suckling

James Suckling

Plenty of blackberry, spice, iron and crushed lead pencil aromas follow through to a full body with chewy, velvety tannins and a rather cool side to it. Crushed stone and slate undertones. Try after 2026. 05/2023