Château Cantenac Brown 2020

A Refined and Aromatic Classified Growth of Margaux by Cantenac Brown

The property

The Château Cantenac-Brown was built in the early 19th century by John-Lewis Brown in the town of Cantenac. The property features a Tudor English Renaissance style in memory of his Scottish origins. Year after year, the magnificent Classified Growth of Margaux gains an international reputation for the quality of its terroir and its wines. At the end of 2019, Château Cantenac-Brown entered a new era in its history following its acquisition by the Le Lous family. Significant investments and restructurings are made, both in the vineyard and in the winery, to further elevate the excellence of this Classified Growth of Margaux, which enjoys a very good reputation.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Cantenac Brown covers 48 hectares in AOC Margaux, 3.5 in Bordeaux and 1.8 hectares in dry white Bordeaux. Under the direction of José Sanfins, the vineyard is managed with respect for the environment. The soils are traditionally maintained to promote microbial life and chemical balance. The fertilizers used are exclusively of plant origin. Thanks to highly mobilized technical teams, each vine receives full attention.

The vintage

Mild conditions at the beginning of spring favor the early bud break of the vine, followed by significant rainfall until mid-June. Episodes of beautiful sunshine allow for rapid flowering under the best conditions. Marked by particularly dry conditions, the summer is punctuated in mid-August by salvatory rainy episodes for the vineyard and maturation. In September, a heatwave combined with a refreshing wind promotes a beautiful concentration of the berries. Despite lower than average yields, the harvest is of high quality.

Vinification and aging

Fermentations were conducted at temperatures 4 to 5°C lower than usual in order to preserve the aromatic richness without exaggerating the tannic structure. This 2020 vintage marks the introduction into the Blend of cabernet sauvignons from the Margaux plateau and the Cantenac Brown enclosure. Aging is carried out in French oak barrels, 60% in new barrels and 40% in one-year-old barrels.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (67%) and merlot (33%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Cantenac Brown 2020

Tasting

With perfectly balanced power, this Château Cantenac Brown 2020 seduces with its dark color and aromatic complexity. The spicy aromas blend harmoniously with present and elegant tannins. Fresh and tasty, this great vintage continues the tradition of exceptional vintages such as 2018 and 2019.