2011 Chateau Brane-Cantenac

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We really love Margaux so today we head to Margaux which is on the left bank of Bordeaux. We decided to open a 2011 Chateau Brane-Cantenac. In our opinion, this is one of the best valued 2nd growth wines you can get out there. 2011 is not the best vintage but not the worst as well. As you know, Bordeaux wines have great aging potential and the 2011 can definitely be kept for at least another 10-15 years. Cheers!

Tasting Date: February 27, 2016

Wine: Chateau Brane-Cantenac

Vintage: 2011

Grapes: 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Blanc and 0.5% Carmenere

Producer: Henri Lurton

Location: Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Purchased Price: $49.99

Purchased Location: Total Wine

Tasting Notes: Beautiful color. Lots of Oak on the nose with dark fruits. Texture is very silky. Tannins were definitely present on this young wine. Decanting it for a few hours definitely helped. Fruity on the pallet with hints of dark fruits, plum, and cherries.

Would Buy Again: Yes!

The French come to discover their own wine abroad

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Spring is here and so are our guests! It's time for our friends to leave their cold homes behind and come get some sunshine in Florida!  

And from France they come and discover their own wine. As we prepare a nice meal, we pair our steaks with a 2011 La Tour Carnet. We let it decant for a good hour and as soon as dinner is ready, we cheer to another great night!  

Château La Tour Carnet, a Grand Cru Classé, is one of our favorite wineries. It was actually the first vineyard we visited when we went to Bordeaux last year. It's immense, full of history and simply breathtaking. The property is maintained to the most utmost detail and the tour was extremely detailed - they did a great job at transporting us back in time!

Tasting Date: April 3, 2015

Wine Name: La Tour Carnet

Vintage: 2011

Grapes: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot 

Producer: Bernard Magrez

Location: Bordeaux

Purchased Price: $35

Purchased Location: ABC Wine

Tasting Notes: Silky smooth, full velvety red. 

Would Buy Again: Yes!

Rating: 89 Points