Wonderful lush blue fruit. Moderate tannin and moderate acidity. We had a spicy zaalouk and it was a magnificent pairing. Great winemaking by a historic winemaker. — 6 months ago
Alto de Cantenac Brown, 2022
Margaux (Left Bank) – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A rare white from the Left Bank, produced by Château Cantenac Brown, a 3rd Growth estate in Margaux. Crafted from 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, sourced from a tiny 1.8-hectare parcel planted specifically for this cuvée. Fermented in oak barrels (90% one-year-old French oak), giving it elegance and complexity in limited quantities.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: perfumed, layered with white flowers, citrus zest, mandarin, and ripe stone fruits, accented by delicate oak spice and minerality.
Palate: vibrant and structured, unfolding flavors of lemon curd, peach skin, and hints of vanilla, with a chalky mineral lift and refined texture.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full-bodied, with zesty acidity, refined minerality, and a silky finish. The oak adds subtle creaminess without overpowering the freshness, resulting in a wine of tension and precision.
Winemaking & Style
Produced in extremely small quantities, this cuvée reflects the château’s dedication to expressing the terroir of Margaux through a white wine that rivals the sophistication of the region’s reds. Aged for 9 months on lees in barrel, it showcases balance, aromatic depth, and aging potential.
Food Pairing
A versatile white that shines with lobster, scallops, creamy risotto, or roast chicken with herbs. Also excellent with aged goat cheese or truffle-accented dishes.
Verdict
A luxurious and limited-production Bordeaux Blanc, blending elegance, minerality, and aromatic finesse. Age-worthy for 5–10 years, but already delightful today. A true gem for white Bordeaux lovers.
— 10 months ago
Awesome!!! Great with and without food. — 7 years ago
Berries. Lots of berries — 8 years ago
Probably my favorite all-around wine to drink. Well balanced. Smells swampy, has a little spice at the end and nice round tang to it. — 9 years ago
Excellent Pine Ridge Cabernet from Rutherford region. Fruit forward of course, deep ruby in color with great texture. Smooth, Great with a variety of red meat and pastas. Drank January 2026 — 4 months ago
Herbal and pine-y black cherry, a bit dusty — 9 months ago
Drinking really well right now what do — 5 years ago
Tastes better when I’m in Kauai! — 7 years ago
Fruit forward medium body, best to drink anytime 😀 — 8 years ago
Spicy with tannin that opened up after time to a softer, more mellow phase. Not a classic but pleasant wine to drink with a steak. — 9 years ago
Brio de Cantenac Brown – 2020
Margaux, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
Brio is the second wine of Château Cantenac Brown, offering a more accessible take on Margaux. This 2020 vintage is composed of 62% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak (25% new) to balance fruit, structure, and approachability. 
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits—raspberry, red currant—merge with cedar, baking spice, and subtle floral lift. Earthy and graphite tones bring depth.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, with soft but persistent tannins. The wine opens smoothly and finishes long with fruit and spice echoing.
Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Also pairs beautifully with charcuterie.
Verdict
A concentrated, value-driven Margaux that shows the pedigree of Cantenac Brown. The 2020 Brio balances power and elegance — drink now or cellar for 8–12 years. 🍷 cheers!
Did You Know? 📌
Second wines (like Brio) are often sourced from younger vines or lots not selected for the Grand Vin, yet in 2020 Cantenac Brown treated it with care: the blend leans more Merlot than the Grand Vin to give earlier approachability. — 8 months ago
Big bold dark fruits plums and blackberries up front. Bold but creamy. Undertones of chocolate and tannins. Long and lush. Layers and complex. — 4 years ago
Mmm. . . The family picked this up at a tasting at our new favorite butcher shop. More on the sweet side for a pinot but still flavorful. Hmmm may have to check my Napster for an accompanying Zac Brown hit for ambience. — 7 years ago
Very rich but very good — 7 years ago
Interesting profile: dried cherries, granny smith, cedar box, with a hint of a big red wine (AUS Shiraz, etc.). Not a lot of carbonation, would have liked to have opened a bottle a year ago to see what role aging has played (bottled 1/16/15). — 8 years ago
If you ever hesitate to drink Merlot, you have no need to wait any longer. — 9 years ago
John Berggren
Wonderful 2016 bottle. Soft tannins, plum and subtle berries. Delightful finish. — 4 months ago