1981 Château Brane-Cantenac

Community Tasting Notes (21) Median Score: 89 points

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  2/19/2022 - Sundbyberg wrote: 91 Points

  What a pleasant surprise by a so-so chateau from an off vintage.
  This was quite young with very fresh fruit and a bit of oak (cork?). With less oak this wine would have rendered a higher score (92-93 pts).
  Will last at least another 10 years, based on this bottle.
  91-92 pts.
  Perfectly cellared since release. Pnp.
  Previously the 1996, 1999, 2005 and 2009 from this chateau.
  This was only my second Bordeaux 1981, (Gruaud larose) but they have both been very nice. This bottle felt a lot younger than the 81 from GL.

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  11/16/2018 - CarpeDiem! wrote: 85 Points

  A distant echo of a wine long past due. I suspect that during its drinking window it scored above average in an otherwise weak year.

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  3/24/2018 - jnewman77 Likes this wine:

  This was overall much better than anticipated; the cork was sodden and fell apart, and initially the nose was a bit muted. After 30 min in a decanter this opened nice to reveal floral notes, forest floor, dried red berry fruits, and humidor. The palate was very elegant and yet still had lovely fruit flavors and balance. It was not as good as the 1980 Heitz Martha's Vineyard served alongside, but it was a lovely mature Bordeaux from an "off" vintage.

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  10/9/2014 - Trelos Likes this wine: 90 Points

  mellow and well balanced. Soil and mushrooms on the nose, still plenty of fruit on the palate. Paired wonderfully with a nice steak and Gorgonzola. A classic Bordeaux. Maybe past its prime but still a treat.

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  8/25/2014 - SteveG wrote: 89 Points

  Similar to previous but became quite fruity about 3 hours in. Tasted just like a fine Margaux of 30 years ago...

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View all 21 Community Tasting Notes

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