Riccardo L.

9.0

Great wine. Gran selezione is always a bit underwhelming to me but this one holds its own. — 4 years ago

J Levenson

9.2

2nd bottle. Outstanding. Purchased in 2018 at $25 from SommSelect. Perfectly paired with a spicy stir fry. Serve @ 55 Degrees — 5 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Love this Rostaing Syrah created from 12 or 13 different vineyards. The style encompasses everything thing I love about Northern Rhône. At $50-$55, their 2010 vintage of Ampodium pushes quality close to their much more expensive single vineyard bottling for a 1/3 of the price.

It’s round and elegant. Lightly roasted, creamy dark fruits, used expresso grounds, savory meats, just a touch of bacon fat, soft, understated minerals, dry top soil with dark withering & fresh dark florals. The round and beautiful. The finish glides over the palate with persistence and puts a smile on your face. It was a magnificat pair with my Short Ribs and Yukon Gold Horseradish Potato Purée.

— 5 years ago

with Christina and James

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have a six-pack of this 05. I thought after 10 years in bottle, it would be interesting to check in on its evolution. While tasty, I’ll wait another 8-10 to open another. Even after 2-3 hours in the decanter, it’s still a very young adolescent. On the nose, slightly sour blackberries & dark cherries, dark currants, baked black plum, haunting blue fruits, anise, whiff of spice, steeped tea, dry stones, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, caramel, vanilla with fresh & dry red florals. The body is thick & full. Tannins are starting to round out. It’s velvety on the palate. The fruits are; bright, fresh & ripe and really show the greatness of the 05 vintage. Dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, baked black plum, haunting blue fruits, baked strawberries, cherries, raspberries on the long set, dark spice, clay & loamy dry top soil with crushed rocks, dry stones, cigar with ash, graphite, dry stems, slight herbaceous character, mint, used leather, clove, caramel, vanilla, fresh & dry red florals with violets. The round acidity is about perfect. The structure and length are still strong. The balance is in harmony. As for the long finish, it’s lush, ruby, rich and well polished. Photos of; Chateau Brane Cantenac, large wood vats, Henri Lurton and Estate vines. Producer notes and history...Chateau Brane Cantenac began in the early 17th century. At the time, the estate was known as Domaine Guilhem Hosten. Even that far back, wine was produced from the property. In fact, the wine was so highly regarded it was one of the more expensive wines in Bordeaux. It sold for almost as much money as Brane Mouton. This is interesting because of who went on to buy the vineyard in the 1800’s. The Baron of Brane, also known as “Napoleon of the Vineyards”, purchased the Chateau in 1833. At the time of the sale, the estate was called Chateau Gorce-Guy. To get the funds needed to purchase the Margaux vineyard, the Baron sold what is now called Mouton Rothschild, which was at the time of the sale, known as Chateau Brane-Mouton. Not such a good move with hundreds of years in hindsight! In 1838, the Baron renamed property taking his name and the name of the sector where the vineyards were located and called it Chateau Brane Cantenac. The Chateau later passed to the Roy family, who were well-known in the Margaux appellation in those days, as they owned Chateau d’issan. Moving ahead to 1920, the Societe des Grands Crus de France, a group of merchants and growers that owned several chateaux located in the Medoc including; Chateau Margaux, Chateau Giscours, and Chateau Lagrange in St. Julien, purchased Chateau Brane Cantenac. Five years later, M. Recapet and his son-in-law, François Lurton, took over Brane Cantenac along with Chateau Margaux. Lucien Lurton (the son of François Lurton) inherited Brane Cantenac in 1956. Today, the estate is still in the hands of the Lurton family. Brane Cantenac is owned and run by Henri Lurton. After being given the responsibility of managing Brane Cantenac, it was under the direction of Henri Lurton that large portions of the vineyard were replanted. Vine densities were increased, the drainage systems were improved and the plantings were also, slowly changed. The vineyard of Brane Cantenac is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and .5% Carmenere. Carmenere was used for the first time in the 2011 vintage. The only other Chateau I know that still uses Carmenere is Clerc Milon. The 75 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Brane Cantenac is essentially unchanged since it earned Second Growth status in the 1855 Classification. At least that is the case with the 45 hectares used to produce the Grand Vin of Brane Cantenac. Those 45 hectares are planted surrounding the Chateau. Those vines are located just in front of the Cantenac plateau and are the best terroir that Brane Cantenac owns. They have other parcels, which are further inland and much of those grapes are placed into their second wine, Le Baron de Brane. Those additional hectares can be divided into 3 main sections. Behind the Chateau, they have 15 hectares of vines on gravel and sand, 10 hectares across the road with sand, gravel and iron and a 13 hectare parcel with gravel called Notton, which is used for their second wine. The vineyard is planted to a vine density that ranges from 6,666 vines per hectare on the plateau and up to 8,000 vines per hectare for the vines located behind chateau, in their sandier soils. The higher levels of vine density are always found in the newer plantings. The terroir of Brane Cantenac consists of deep gravel, sand and clay soil. Experiments in the vineyards are currently looking at becoming more organic in their vineyard management. Today, more than 25% of Brane Cantenac is farmed using organic farming techniques. It is expected that over time, the amount of hectares farmed with organic methods will be increased. Brane Cantenac has gone through 2 relatively recent modernization’s in 1999, when they added began adding the first of their smaller vats to allow for parcel by parcel vinification and then again in 2015 when they completed a much more complete renovation of their cellars and vat rooms. While Brane Cantenac is a traditional producer, they are no stranger to technology as they were one of the first estates to embrace optical grape sorting machines. In very wet vintages, they can also use reverse osmosis. To produce the wine of Chateau Brane Cantenac, the wine is vinified in a combination of temperature controlled, traditional, 22 oak vats, 18 concrete tanks and 20 stainless steel vats that vary in size from 40 hectoliters all the way up to 200 hectoliters, which allows for parcel by parcel vinification. 40% of the fermentation takes place in the oak vats. The oldest vines are vinified in vats that are selected to allow for separate parcel by parcel vinification. The younger vines are vinified more often together in the same vats. However, the Carmenere is entirely micro-vinified, meaning that those grapes were completely vinified in barrel, using micro-vinification techniques. This can also happen because the amount of grapes produced is so small. Some vats can be co-inoculated, meaning they go through alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation simultaneously. At Chateau Brane Cantenac, malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of French oak tanks and barrels. The wine of Brane Cantenac is aged in an average of 60% new, French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. The initial 2 months of aging is done with the wine on its lees, which adds more depth to the wine. There second wine is Le Baron de Brane. Le Baron de Brane is not new. In fact, previously, the second wine went under the name of Chateau Notton, which took its name from one of the main parcels where the grapes were planted. During the late 1950’s and into the 1960’s, having a second wine was important as the estate declassified 3 vintages, due to extremely poor, weather conditions in 1956, 1960 and 1963. Production of Chateau Brane Cantenac is about 11,000 cases per year. — 6 years ago

Lewis Chester

9.5

1958 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino: from Jay. This was the Ying to the Mascarello's Yang. Lovely rich ruby colour with virtually no bricking on the edge. The nose developed over the course of 15 to 20 mins in the glass. Unlike the Mascarello that was shedding perfume from the moment it hit the glass, the Monfortino needed more air before becoming less brooding. Dark fruits on the nose. Purple plums, black cherries, some forest floor, light tobacco as well as some floral elements prevailed. The palette was a reflection of the nose so no surprises. The fruit was far from dried out and this particular bottle still had plenty of life left in it but from my recent experience this is the exception rather than the rule. I have had around 10 bottles of old Monfortino ('55 / '58 / and '61) over the last year and the bottle variation, as you would expect, is tremendous with the majority of them past their prime. The finish was strong and in keeping with the rest of the package with reasonable length and quality. Drink now. 95/100.

— 9 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.0

This year the blend of 55% carmenere and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon — 10 years ago

Jordi Pazo

9.0

Vila. Tast 1989-2019: 30 anys d'Història del Priorat Modern. 55% Garnatxa, 30% CS, 10% Carinyena, 5% Syrah. 45,00.
06.05.19 — 5 years ago

Chris England

9.4

A new upcoming Chilean icon blend @ £100-£120 that’s becoming a favourite of mine 😍 Did you know they play relaxing music to the wine in the barrel whilst it develops 💗 I reviewed the 2012 a few weeks back 😉 and can’t wait for 2013 to come out! I’ve still not tried their first 2010 release ... yet

📍 Vina VIK 2011

🏵 94 points w/ much more potential 👍

🍇 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Carmenere, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot & 4% Syrah 😍

🍷Opaque blackened ruby

👃 Chocolatey spicy rich blackcurrant & dark plum w/ soft oak, vanilla, blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry, wet leaves, herbs, a hint of purple flower, blueberry & minerals

👄 Full body of rich silky intense but balanced black fruits in oozy melted chocolate & creamy blueberry w/ a raspberry liquorice backbone in fine rock minerals

🎯 Long black fruit, raspberry, touch dry mineral & cocoa linger w/ a lasting purple teeth stain 😁 — 5 years ago

Michael gayle

9.0

Love it. Especially for the price! 55 degrees and decanter. I know, I know. Decanter white wine. Decanting never hurts good wine! — 5 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Pair of 55’s tonight! This had a deep dark color with dark cherry, plum fruits, earth, leather, licorice, mint & brown spices. — 6 years ago

Chris England

9.3

Been on my wish list to try this wine a while now 👌 @ £62 this didn't disappoint 👍

Great young 92-93 & not as tannic as I expected but will age into a beauty 94-96 me thinks 😍 Give a good decant 3+ hrs

🍇 55% Cab S, 25% Mer, 18% Cab F & 2% Pet V

🍷 Deep opaque ruby

👃 Ripe mocha infused spiced plum & sweet blackcurrant w/ smokey herby earthy tones

👄 Med-Full bodied smooth plump sweet blackcurrant & chewy plum w/ mocha tones & fine tannins

🎯 Long dark fruit mocha super stain — 7 years ago

Martin Redmond

9.2

Golden color with enticing, but subtle buttered toast, almond, dried orchard fruit aromas. On the palate it's full-bodied, and layered with a creamy delicate mousse, vibrant acidity and a harmonious character that shows orchard fruit, raspberry, candied tamarind, Meyer lemon flavors. Long finish. Blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay; including 32% wines matured in oak barrels for 9 months. Aged 6 years on lees after bottling. Dosage: 5 g/1 — 7 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2009 — 8 years ago

Militza Zikatanova

10

Fantastic organic from Melnik region — 9 years ago

Cecilia Garza

9.0

Love it! And I love Miranda Lambert! Good, smooth and fruity. Delicious — 9 years ago

Rich

9.0

Sold this bottle for about $120, my guest loved it. — 9 years ago

Paul Stefani

9.4

This is everything I expected and more. Worth every dollar.
Dark and lush black current, intense dark chocolate, fine tannins and smooth finish. Paired fantastic with grilled t bones and a Gorgonzola and pear salad. — 9 years ago

Antoine Pin

Wine Buyer Kroger/QFC

10

The BEST Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer EVER! Bar-none. Must try! #31 or 36 on @Garyvee's 101 Wine @DomaineduBanner $55 / 97pts — 10 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

55 hectares of superb gravelly vineyards, run by the Cathiard family, often referred to as the "archetypical Graves." A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot, Organic, very very dark red with aromas of black fruits with an array of herb & spice notes. On the palate berries, cherry, licorice and cacao with pepper spice wrapped in a great mouthfeel. Firm full tannins, lingering, ending with fruit, spice and exotic earthy character. Extremely Nice! — 5 years ago

Craig Chapman

8.9

Nice easy drinking wine on the sweeter side. Paired well with pesto chicken — 5 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.5

Tasted blind. Light tawny but there's a nice brightness in the color. Great old Bordeaux nose. Notes of black raspberry, cherry, moist forest floor, gravel and a little mocha. Amazing complexity in the mouth. This has more going for it in the mouth/finish when compared to the 55 Palmer next to it. The 55 Palmer overall was a better experience, but this was best in class for its complex mouthfeel. Guessed 1961 Palmer. — 5 years ago

Jim Van Over

8.9

Caramel nose. Mildly sweet, approaching bold. Soft pallet. Sweet apple with hints of forest in the background. Strong tannins. $55 — 6 years ago

JKT

9.1

JL Oregon tasting 9/12/17. $55. Made the same as cousins but with better grapes from same top vineyards. Similar nose with less funk and more bright red fruits. Balanced but a bit sweeter on palate with long and complex finish. Interesting texture that's stimulating. Nice. But much higher bucks. — 7 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.4

Deep ruby color. Expressive nose of blackberries, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and vanilla. Juicy dark fruit on the palate with oak spice and nice tannic texture. Probably drinking near or at its peak right now. Blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petite Verdot with 80% of the fruit coming from the To Kalon Vineyard. Aged 28 months in 55% new French oak. — 7 years ago

with Kelly

Matt Trader

9.1

Beautiful Grand Cru Champagne from Lallier. 55% PN from Ay, and 45% Chardonnay from Côte des Blanc, 8g/I dosage. Shows nice balance of acidity and elegant, creamy bubbles. Medium plus toast to the nose, and lemon oil, white pepper, fresh apricot and peach compote, and créme fresh, with a citric crisp finish. This one will see some great aging, but it's pretty darn tasty now. — 7 years ago

Cass Franklin

9.5

Fresh out of cellar at 55, decanted, and now 10 degrees warmer with a wonderful bouquet of dark berries, leather and camphor. Dark fruit, dark chocolate and charcoal on the palate with moderate finish. Soft tannins and glycerol observed. 1995 vintage drinking well June 2016. — 8 years ago

Bengt Nyman

9.2

A great bouquet and fantastic taste. — 9 years ago

with Ola, Mona and 2 others

Jordi Pazo

9.0

Vila. Copa.
21.05.15 — 9 years ago

Justin Dahlem

9.0

Great dry red, especially at $8. — 9 years ago

Adam Stuzen

9.0

Under $6. Hellz yeah!! — 10 years ago

with Amanda