Chateau Brane Cantenac Margaux 2017

92+/100 - 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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

91+/100 - The 2017 Brane-Cantenac is a pretty wine that emphasizes persistence over volume. Medium in body, with good depth, the 2017 is attractive, and yet it remains a bit compact and slender in feel. It will be interesting to see if it gains a bit more volume with time in bottle, although I don't see that happening. Just is it did en primeur, the 2017 is marked by strong Cabernet signatures in its flavor profile, textural feel and overall energy.  - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

17.5/20 - Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Smoky but enticing nose of sandalwood, dark cherry and dried violets. Hedgerow fruits abound. Very polished on the palate, there is ambition and refinement here. For now the tannins are very pithy and firm, particularly on the finish, but there is enough fruit intensity to match. A wine for laying down. - Tom Parker MW, JancisRobinson.com

93/100 - A lovely wine that sits extremely prettily though the palate, with a seductive expression of florality and blackberry fruits. It's not as powerful as the past two years, but is skilfully worked with soft grilled oak notes. It doesn't sacrifice the excellent quality that this estate has been producing. - Jane Anson, Decanter

94/100 - A tight, focused center palate to this red with blackberries, dark chocolate, hazelnuts and smoke. Medium to full body, polished tannins and a juicy, lightly chewy mouthfeel. A blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Try after 2022. - James Suckling