50% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon & 7% Cabernet Franc
Critical Acclaim:
Rated 96 by Wine Enthusiast
Barrel Sample. Beautiful dusty tannins permeate this ripe wine. It has a smooth and rich texture, with bright blackberry flavors and a refreshing, vibrant close.
Plump fruit, rich raspberry puree and cassis flavours, layered through with chocolate and grilled cedar. This was the same score as I gave it when tasting in barrel in October 2017. Things have closed down a little since then, as this is heading into its dumb phase, but it's clearly extremely well structured and all the elements are in place for a long future. So wait to open, but this is a complex, nuanced Cantenac. 51% of production in the 1st wine, 60% new oak. Harvest September 17 to October 8.
Rated 94 by Wine Spectator
This brims with voluble plum cake, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors, embedded with brambly structure while keeping a polished feel overall. Alluring black tea, roasted alder and licorice details line the finish. You'll want to jump on this one. Best from 2022 through 2035. 9,583 cases made.
Rated 94 by James Suckling
The blueberries, blackberries and fresh violets come through nicely on the nose. Full body with round, juicy tannins. Hints of vanilla. Lots of ripe fruit. A little tight now. Try after 2022. Reviewed in Hong Kong Chinese Wine Tasting July 2020.
Brio de Cantenac Brown
Cantenac Brown created the BriO label in 2001 to express the more modern aspects of the winery. A full body wine, with floral and strawberry notes, and silky tannins.