Charlie Tapp

9.4

Black fruit, red fruit, tobacco and something green in between menthol and eucalyptus. Very refined if a little hot.

36 hours in the decanter and it’s going strong. At least 5-10 years left. — 25 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Their Cabernet fruits are nice, ripe and pretty. They should be cellared 10 years before opening one.

Again, the M+ tannin profile along with their level new wood use is extremely dominant and primary young. This was astringent and felt like I had sucked on a wood plank.

The fruits & florals beautiful. Better things lie ahead for this with cellaring. 93-96 in 10-15 years.

Having had many Napa 21’s at this point, this didn’t live up to the balance & softer styles of others I had young. — 3 months ago

Meadow Linder

9.2

Stunning. Smooth. Addictive. — a year ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Brio de Cantenac Brown – 2020
Margaux, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Brio is the second wine of Château Cantenac Brown, offering a more accessible take on Margaux. This 2020 vintage is composed of 62% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak (25% new) to balance fruit, structure, and approachability. 
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits—raspberry, red currant—merge with cedar, baking spice, and subtle floral lift. Earthy and graphite tones bring depth.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, with soft but persistent tannins. The wine opens smoothly and finishes long with fruit and spice echoing.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Also pairs beautifully with charcuterie.

Verdict
A concentrated, value-driven Margaux that shows the pedigree of Cantenac Brown. The 2020 Brio balances power and elegance — drink now or cellar for 8–12 years. 🍷 cheers!

Did You Know? 📌
Second wines (like Brio) are often sourced from younger vines or lots not selected for the Grand Vin, yet in 2020 Cantenac Brown treated it with care: the blend leans more Merlot than the Grand Vin to give earlier approachability. — 3 days ago

Andrea Watt

9.1

So dark and rich, almost sweet with vanilla, plum, and clove. Rich and deep. — 4 months ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.2

This 5+ year vintage is nicely balanced. On the classic California Cab style side, it paired very well with steak on the grill. June 2025. — 4 months ago

Inseon Hwang

9.1

Pelican. Bold and powerful Cali Cab. Green peppers; oak; minerals; organic finish. — a month ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

They make a good Cabernet Franc that requires 7-10 plus yrs in cellar before opening.

The most agitating part of drinking their new vintages young is they use too much new wood. Along with the M+ tannin profile, making it very hard to drink early. Young, they drink astringently and bitty on the palate.

They poured me a 2011 Cabernet at the very end, not the best vintage but it was fine, the 11 was made with 20% less new oak. It showed and was preferable. If I were making these wines, I would dial back the new oak and or barrel toast. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2011 vintage. Light-medium body with above average complexity in both the nose and flavors. Über-feminine style. Tannins definitely resolved. This is ready to go. 06.11.25. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Classic notes of left bank Bordeaux. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Initially a sweet palate but after a few hours, restrained, balanced and a little dusty and herbaceous. Very fine tannins - totally resolved and seamless. A classy wine - the 2nd wine of a leading First Growth from a good vintage. — a year ago