Fine fragrance of Cabernet cassis fruit, fine middle sweetness, fine natural concentration behind the lifted, elegant facade, great potential complexity. Drink 2015-2030.   17.5

One of the stars of the Margaux appellation (and that’s not the back handed compliment it might seem in 2011), this is a typically graceful wine from Henri Lurton: forward and sweetly scented with coffee bean, savoury tannins and gentle, refreshing fruit flavours. A wine that caresses rather than bludgeons the palate. 8+ years.   93

Deep cherry red. Leafily aromatic. Lifted red-cherry fruit, almost minty/herbal. Lots of oak sweetness on the palate, dampening down that brightness of fruit. Though the brightness re-emerges on the sweet-fruited finish. Fresh and lithe and although the tannins are dry and powdery, the whole thing is refreshing on the finish. 2016-2026   16.5

Nice sappy feel, with juicy kirsch and plum flesh notes and lots of well-integrated spice on the finish. Lightens up a touch in the end, but stays focused.   88-91/100

The Brane Cantenac is a blend of 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Carmenere and 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped from 9th to 19th September for the Merlot and 19th to 27th Cabernet Sauvignon, the Carmenere on the 10th October (the first time it has been promoted to the Grand Vin, so well done vines.) As usual, the sample needs several minutes to find its composure in the glass. Eventually, it finds its even keel with attractive wild berries, graphite and crushed stone, very crisp and well defined as if there are spaces to be filled between the aromas (this will be done during the élevage.) The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins. There is a touch of unresolved oak whilst the finish is a little pinched at the moment with a slightly attenuated finish. As usual, I bet this will taste far superior after five years, but I wonder whether there is just enough substance here? Wait and see, but I appreciate the style.   88-90

Rather a smoky character to the fruit here. The aromatic profile seems slightly diffuse, showing some rather gamey fruit character. There is already some overt tobacco leaf here, which strikes me as unusual at this stage. The palate is rather low key, showing a straightforward and evolved style, with more tobacco leaf, and a gentle texture. This is light, with lightly grainy tannins and lots of fresh acids. Overall, rather lean and a touch steely.   13.5-14.5

Made in a sexy, perfumed style, this 2011 seduces the taster with its wonderful aromatics of blue, red and black fruits, flowers, damp earth and forest floor. With excellent to outstanding concentration, fresh acidity and velvety tannins, this plush Margaux is atypically opulent/flamboyant for the vintage. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. 2012 - 2027   90-93