The 2014 Cantenac Brown has a backward nose at first, a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and tobacco, an attractive pastille-like scent emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a little more extraction than its peers. It feels fleshy and pure, notes of raspberry coulis, confit fruit, orange rind and tobacco towards the well-structured, delicately spiced finish. It makes you want to come back for another sip—always a good sign! A bottle tasted six months later in February 2017 demonstrated a little more cohesion and finesse, suggesting that this Margaux will meliorate with bottle age. One to watch out for.

The 2014 Cantenac Brown is very pretty. A model of total understatement, the 2014 stands out for its terrific overall balance. All the elements are in the right place. Sweet red stone fruit, iron, tobacco and cedar are woven into the silky, exquisitely layered finish. Tasted twice.

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Soapy, salty and interesting on the nose. Lots of fruit and interest if not density. Very dry end. But broad and fruity. (JR)

Mid cherry red. Rich fruited, velvet-textured and straightforwardly satisfying. Lovely freshness to cut through the youthful thickness of the tannins. (JH)