Château Brane Cantenac

Oct 31, 2018 | Uncategorized

Chateau Brane Cantenac dates back to the 17th century and its wine started to be sold at high prices and listed as a second grown in pre -1855 classifications under the Gorce Family. Nowadays, Henry Lurton owns the place and he is enormously improving the techniques and the already high standards of the production.

The 75 hectare vineyard of Brane Cantenac is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39.5% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Carmenere and 5% Petit Verdot. Carmenere was used for the first time in the 2011 vintage. The Petit Verdot was planted in 2008. 2017 is the first vintage where Petit Verdot was added to the blend. The 75 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Brane Cantenac is essentially unchanged since it earned Second Growth status in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc.

Did you know?…

  • Baron of Brane, also known as ”Napoleon of  the Vineyards”, bought the Chateau in 1833 when its name was Chateau Gorce-Guy. In need of funds to buy the property, he sold what is now called Mouton Rothschild, which was, at the time of the sale, known as Chateau Brane – Mouton.
  • Lucien Lurton inherited Brane- Cantenac in 1956 and he continued to run this and his other nine estates until 1992, when he fairly split all 10 properties between his 10 children.
  • There are 100 pickers employed for the harvest, with Charles de Ravinel as permanent vineyard manager.
  • In 2010, Henri Lurton converted 10 hectares (25 acres) of the vineyard to organic production. This surface area was extended to 18 hectares (45 acres) in 2011, which is almost a quarter of the total.
  • Since 2011, Henri Lurton has reintroduced a small amount of Carmenere into the blend. This is a variety that has become rare in Bordeaux, but has a gentle spice that he believes gives great interest upon ageing. To protect against fraud and ensure complete traceability, laser marking has been introduced on all bottles leaving the chateau.

Eleanor Market Report:

A price report (from 2012 till present) based on our data shows that from the release price, all the vintages have increased of at least 20%, with top performer 2004 vintage with its 60% ascent.

2000, 2003 and 2010 vintages have received 94 Parker score but Brane Cantenac 2010 is currently traded at lowest price, -24% compared to the 2000 Vintage. Moreover, 2016 vintage sees its highest Parker’s score currently released at one of the most moderate prices on the market.

Brane Cantenac 2016 has been released at 16% increase on the 2015 price and although the opening price is one of the highest on released for Brane Cantenac, it might be justified given that it is entering the market with a higher quality score ( Parker 98) than all other recent vintages, yet at a price below 2005, 2009 and 2010.

Brane Cantenac 2017 has been released at €46.80 per bottle ex-negociant, a 9.3% decrease on the 2016 release price of €51.60.

Due to frost, the volume of wine brought to market was 35% lower than the previous year.

The 2014 vintage carries the same score as the 2017 but can be found in the market with a 23% discount compared to 2017 opening price.

Alternatively, buyers looking for something with a higher score might consider the 2016, which appears to offer value.