Wines Margaux Château Cantenac Brown - 1990

Viniou Reviews

Château Cantenac Brown 1990 is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Margaux appellation in the Médoc subregion of Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc, this vintage showcases the classic balance and elegance for which Margaux is famed. The 1990 vintage benefited from excellent weather conditions, resulting in ripe, deeply coloured grapes that have delivered a wine of remarkable longevity. Following tradition, vinification combined carefully managed extraction with maturation in French oak barrels, imparting subtle nuances of spice and cedar. Now, over three decades on, the wine reveals a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, violets, truffle, leather, and tobacco, with a palate marked by silky tannins, refined acidity and an enduring finish.

The Margaux appellation occupies one of the most revered terroirs in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, distinguished by its gravelly soils that provide exceptional drainage and promote deep root growth, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The region is characterised by a temperate maritime climate, offering lengthy, gentle ripening periods that ensure aromatic complexity and finesse. Margaux’s historical pedigree is longstanding, with estates such as Château Cantenac Brown tracing their heritage back to the early 19th century, consistently upholding a reputation for producing some of Bordeaux’s most perfumed and elegant reds.

Pairing Château Cantenac Brown 1990 with food calls for dishes that highlight its sophistication without overpowering its subtlety. Roasted rack of lamb with herb crust, classic beef Wellington, or a rich duck breast with a red wine reduction will complement the wine’s structure and tertiary aromas beautifully. For a regional touch, consider serving it alongside entrecôte à la bordelaise or wild mushroom fricassée, which will echo the earthy notes developed with age.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine gently for 1–2 hours to allow the delicate, mature aromas to emerge fully. Serve at a temperature of 17–18°C, which will showcase the wine’s complexity and harmonious texture while preserving its freshness.