The greatest Cantenac Brown I have ever tasted, the 2010 is one for the ages. Dense purple, with an extraordinary nose of sweet forest floor, blackberry jam, pen ink and graphite, this wine soars from the glass, giving it an aromatic dimension and intensity I have never seen from this estate. The tannins are present, as they are in most Cantenac Browns, but the wine’s sweetness, broad, skyscraper-like mouthfeel, dense, purple color and spectacular length (close to a minute) make this a giant classic and a fabulous sleeper of the vintage that still remains under-priced, considering how great its potential may be. This is a wine for those with cold cellars and youthful DNA. It is going to need at least a decade of cellaring and should last for 20-40 years. A classic! Drink: 2023 - 2063
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #205 Feb 2013

(92-94+ pts)
2010: One of the finest Cantenac Browns made in the last half century, the 2010 may be even more impressive than the 2009. Sweet, fat notes of blackberries, forest floor and earth emerge from this inky/purple-colored beauty. The tannins are slightly more serious and elevated than in the 2009, but the big, bold, full-bodied 2010 represents a remarkable turn around for this estate, which has now produced three straight top-flight vintages. It should drink well for 25-35 years.

A wine with firm tannins that are polished and reserved yet there's an underlying richness of fruit. Plums, blueberries and citrus character. Some tar too. Juicy and delicious to taste. Try in 2016.
-www.jamessuckling.com, 'Tasting Report: 2010 Bordeaux "More Great Vintage"', 3 Feb 2012

Tasted at the UGC tasting in London. Keep an eye on this fast-improving Margaux estate. The Cantenac Brown has a powerful nose of blackberry, tobacco and graphite - perhaps slightly autumnal in nature. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, plenty of ripe black, mineral-rich fruit and fine precision on the finish. This is a sophisticated, understated Margaux that should not be overlooked. Tasted November 2012.

(91-93 pts)
A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot, the Cantenac Brown has a ripe, showy nose with succulent blackberry, cassis and plum fruit, a world away from du Tertre’s more conservative style (tasted just before.) The palate is very appealing with silky smooth tannins, a lot of vanillary new oak to seduce primeur but very composed with sufficient fruit on the finish to support it. This is a seductive Cantenac Brown, very Margaux in style, floral and feminine. I cannot remember this estate producing such a fine Margaux. Tasted April 2011.

Very focused, with a taut beam of red currant and crushed damson plum fruit, backed by very fine-grained, supple tannins. A twinge of iron weaves through the increasingly fleshy finish. This has power, but also lots of finesse. —J.M.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Cantenac Brown has a rather feral/animal nose with notes of smoked meat, leather and game over a core of prunes, figs, mushrooms and dried herbs. Full-bodied, it has mature earthy/savory flavors with a chewy texture and lively backbone, finishing warm and herbal.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet with brick rim. Exotic ripe fruits, spice and sweet leather. But pretty tough on the palate. Hard to find a way through the tannins but give it time. (JH)