A red with mineral, oyster-shell and currant character. Full body, chewy tannins and a long and muscular finish. Needs two or three years to soften. A racy 2012. – jamessuckling.com, Feb 2015

It is hard not to give kudos to proprietor Henri Lurton, as he’s done such a great job at this famous estate in Margaux. The 2012 has an opaque ruby/purple color and beautifully sweet, velvety tannins. It had to be more difficult achieving this level in the Médoc in 2012 than in Graves or the Right Bank sectors of Pomerol and St.-Emilion. With a lush, supple texture, medium to full body, and beautiful flowery blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, this opaque wine is pure and impressively endowed. Another beauty from Lurton, it is soft enough to be drunk early on, but promises to age well for 15-20 years. 91 points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #218, April 2015)

Plush yet focused, with a loam-tinged structure carrying dark plum, blackberry coulis and tobacco notes. Cuts a broad swath through the finish, with an echo of freshly drawn espresso. Solid, with a pleasant old-school twinge. Best from 2016 through 2022. 9,250 cases made. – James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2015)

Tasted thrice at chateau, UGC and negociant, the Brane-Cantenac 2012 is a blend of 32% Merlot and 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and represents 32% of production. It has a slightly muted bouquet with light graphite and mineral notes that need several minutes to really unwind. The palate is medium-bodied with rather abrasive tannins that encase blackberry and raspberry notes with hints of sea salt. It is a conservative Brane-Cantenac and it feels a little raw at the moment. Then again, it often tastes exactly like this en primeur before improving in bottle, so let us see. – eRobertParker.com, April 2013

Dark crimson. Firm, fully ripe palate (contrasts with the lesser appellations of the southern Médoc). Spreads across the palate. Quite lip smacking and well judged. Not too sweet and, just, not too oaky. Broad. Drink 2020-2034. – jancisrobinson.com, April 2013

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot. 45.5 hl/ha. Crimson hue. Attractive, lifted berry-fruit nose. Cabernet to the fore as would be expected. Supple and round on attack then grip and length on the finish. Serious for the vintage. Drinking now but will age further. (JL)

Very dark. Pretty leafy on the nose but that also gives a nice stony character. Dusty like white pepper. Richer and sweeter on the palate, the leafy notes on the refreshing side. Firm but fluid tannins. (JH)