1982 CHÂTEAU BRANE CANTENAC 1982

I was absolutely charmed with this bottle. The nose was a little muddy, with deep, cooler fruit, pencil shavings, and book binding. On the palate, this leads with graphite, and has muted forest berries. There's also leather and library on the palate. This has nice structure. It's at an ideal place for me with resolved tannin, tons of tertiary development, but it hasn't degraded much yet. Maybe the fruit is starting to go. This lacks the juicier aspect of the '83. It's a little more 'classic,' as they say, and it accordingly lacks the polish of the latter vintage, but it is still very enjoyable!

This shows wonderful finesse. Brick red in color, with a garnet edge. Lovely perfumed aromas of blackberry and chocolate, with a hint of raisin. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, sweet fruit finish. Drink now or hold.

Ruby red color. Medium intensity. Evolved. Very shiny. Medium intensity nose. Honey note. Animal. Touch of raspberry. Reduced agitation. Needs ventilation. Caressing entry into the mouth, developing a suave and fairly oily structure, but lacking density. That said, the flavor evokes smoothness and the wine is almost sweet. Nice length. Too bad it doesn't have more material, but it's good!

Brickish rim and orange tinted red core. Initial impression is strongly sweet red fruit but also a minty freshness. Distinctive perfume. Fine density on the palate, wth lively fruit and great energy. Fully resolved though there’s still an attractive dry grip on the finish. Long and fresh on the finsh, maybe just starting to dry a little.