Deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of red cherries and raspberry are lifted by floral and mineral notes. Bright and crisp in the mouth, with very pure sweet red fruit flavors that linger nicely. Finishes long and bright, with plenty of fruity richness, a suave mouthfeel, and a hint of black pepper at the back. Another knockout wine from the Cantenac sector of Margaux, in my view perhaps the single most successful micro-production zone of the Left Bank in 2013.

The 2013 Brane-Cantenac has come on nicely since I last tasted it in barrel, even if it does fall short of recent vintages from Henri Lurton and his team. Certainly it has developed more fruit concentration on the nose: fresh strawberries and redcurrant laced with tobacco. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannin and well-judged acidity, just a touch of piquancy coming through on the finish. It has developed more heft during barrel ageing and given 3 or 4 years in bottle, should develop into a satisfying mid-term Margaux.

Floral nose but a herbal character to the palate that gives a greenness to the fruit. It's not unpleasant, but doesn't make for the most recognisable Margaux. (RH)

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 21.9 hl/ha. Early Merlot lacked quality hence the small percentage in the blend. Pale crimson hue. Simple nose. Lighter-bodied but juicy. The finish is, however, rather hard and abrasive. Probably an underlying lack of ripeness. Not for the long term. (JL)

Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Lots of oak on the nose, covering a slight stalky character. Lean but juicy on the finish. Finely textured tannins. Perhaps just a little tart on the finish, undermining the balance. (JH)