This is delicious, silky in texture and filled with luscious black fruits, exotic spiced liquorice and sweet blackberry. Touches of grilled cedar and just a trace of heat appear at the final furlong, along with a hint of menthol. The tannins close their fist around the fruit, reflecting the small berry size in the Cabernets, the percentage of which is slightly up this year as new plantings have come on line. It's an impressive construction, a little less elegant than the 2016 but with a ton of personality and a sense of bursting out of its borders, not yet fully tamed - and hugely appealing as a result. 60% new oak barrels. Harvested 18 September to 11 October. - www.decanter.cok, Jane Anson, March 2019

The 2018 Cantenac Brown is powerful, deep and super expressive, with striking persistence and terrific overall balance. The interplay of fruit intensity, aromatic depth and structure is compelling. In the 2018, the Grand Vin has a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon than in the past, plus drops of Franc, that give an added touch of energy. There is plenty of density and richness, but my impression is that the wine is also a bit less extracted than it has been in the recent past. The blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous - April 2019

The 2018 Cantenac Brown has a sophisticated, engaging bouquet intense, mineral-driven black fruit. This is very classy and evidences prudent use of new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, superb acidity, impressive harmony and a silky-smooth texture that belies the depth and persistence of this outstanding Margaux. José Sanfins and his team have overseen a -brilliant Cantenac Brown that comes highly recommended.

The 2018 Cantenac Brown has a medium to deep garnet-purple color, wafting gently out of the glass with fragrant scents of redcurrant jelly, Morello cherries, plum preserves and fresh blackcurrants, plus suggestions of red roses, cedar chest and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate (13.5% declared alcohol) has a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the delicately styled red and black fruit flavors, finishing savory.

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Rich and quite complete nose. Then smooth fruit with polished tannins. Glossy and very different from some of the lesser Margaux. Composed and fun. (JR)

69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby. Pencil shavings and black fruit on the nose. Fresh, fragrant fruit on the palate with quite sappy tannin. Suitable for the medium term but needs a little more oomph from the fruit. (TP)

69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc; 60% new oak. Barrel sample. Deepest black-cherry colour. Sweet small black berries, blackcurrant and elderberry. Pretty chewy on the palate, the freshness accentuating the tannins at the moment but the components are well matched if not yet integrated. (JH)