Made in a sexy, perfumed style, this 2011 seduces the taster with its wonderful aromatics of blue, red and black fruits, flowers, damp earth and forest floor. With excellent to outstanding concentration, fresh acidity and velvety tannins, this plush Margaux is atypically opulent/flamboyant for the vintage. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.

[56.5CS/37M/6CF/0.5 CA] Closed, spicy nose, very Cabernet in effect; elegant, nicely concentrated, fine textured middleweight, juicy, fleshy, vital, appetising and refined; here is a delicious sweetness of flavour without being particularly dense, long across the palate and long to finish. As always with this cru there is a faint suggestion of fluidity, but that’s part of its easy, gracious style. Not a grand wine, but this is a lovely middleweight of great charm, and class too! 2020-30+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

Nice sappy feel, with juicy kirsch and plum flesh notes and lots of well-integrated spice on the finish. Lightens up a touch in the end, but stays focused.-J.M.

The Brane Cantenac is a blend of 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Carmenere and 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped from 9th to 19th September for the Merlot and 19th to 27th Cabernet Sauvignon, the Carmenere on the 10th October (the first time it has been promoted to the Grand Vin, so well done vines.) As usual, the sample needs several minutes to find its composure in the glass. Eventually, it finds its even keel with attractive wild berries, graphite and crushed stone, very crisp and well defined as if there are spaces to be filled between the aromas (this will be done during the élevage.) The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins. There is a touch of unresolved oak whilst the finish is a little pinched at the moment with a slightly attenuated finish. As usual, I bet this will taste far superior after five years, but I wonder whether there is just enough substance here? Wait and see, but I appreciate the style. Tasted April 2012.

Drink 2016-2026 Deep cherry red. Leafily aromatic. Lifted red-cherry fruit, almost minty/herbal. Lots of oak sweetness on the palate, dampening down that brightness of fruit. Though the brightness re-emerges on the sweet-fruited finish. Fresh and lithe and although the tannins are dry and powdery, the whole thing is refreshing on the finish. (JH)

Ripe dark damson fruit. Firm grip and lots of savoury spice on the palate. Masculine and dry but refined and cool-headed. Cool, elegant finish. (JH)

56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère. 31.3 hl/ha. Crimson hue. Slightly baked nose. Medium-bodied with decent fruit weight. Full and round on attack but the tannins chunky and dry on the finish. Robust rather than elegant. (JL)