Château Cantenac Brown 2021


Red
2021

MARGAUX
GRAND CRU CLASSÉ EN 1855
FAMILLE LE LOUS

Varietal blend
73% Cabernet Sauvignon
27% Merlot

Alcohol by volume
NC

Quantity produced
NC

Size of the vineyard
63 ha

Average age of vines
35 years old

Grape varieties
65% Cabernet Sauvignon,
30% Merlot,
5% Cabernet Franc

Soil type
Clay and limestone

Vineyard skills
NC

Yields in hls/ha
NC

Vinification
NC
Maturing/ageing : In oak barrels, 60% new oak barrels
 

Owner's words
The 2021 vintage will remain in our memory as a year that constantly tested our ability to adapt to varying weather conditions. Particularly for this vintage, the Cantenac Brown team's experience and the benchmarks achieved over time, have allowed us to adjust quickly to each scenario. After a year on the deck, from the cold front at the end of April to the humid early summer, our hard work over the year will have finally paid off. Technical decisions had to be made, and the most important human investment made in recent years, early leaf removal by hand, was performed at sunrise, along with a second leaf rmoval at sunset in August, to guarantee the best exposure of light and air to the grape clusters to achieve the best maturity. We performed a green harvest in the month of August with two passes on several plots during harvest. The good weather (except for a few scattered showers), accompanied the harvest, cold and dry, perfect for the Cabernets. The know-how of our team was a determining factor for this harvest, pick the plots at the right time, be patient for several days as the weather reports were changing day to day, even hour to hour. The weekend of October 2nd was predicted to be very rainy, disrupting our plans to harvest, and worrying the enitre team. Finally, there was only light rain the 3rd ad 4th of October, only slightly disrupting the last Merlot harvest. The following days are extraordinary for the much-anticipated Cabernet. From October 5th to the 12th, the Cabernet harvest continued under the sun, with cold mornings and radiant afternoons (6 Celsius in the morning up to 20 celcius by the end of the day). Good things come to those who wait... The first vats are very aromatic with notable hints of raspberry. The Merlots are softer than usual and the Cabernets more concentrated. The blend of the two varietals should give a round and full-bodied wine, with fine and elegant tannins. Typically, Bordeaux. The blend confirms our choice. The balance is excellent between acidity and roundness.