1990 - Brane-Cantenac, Margaux

The 1990 Brane-Cantenac was picked September 19 to October 3. Despite the reputation of the vintage, this is one vintage that has never really clicked with me. It has an open-knit bouquet of smudged red berry fruit, leather, hung game and clove – perhaps with just a touch of Brettanomyces? The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin. Indeed, the main shortcoming is simply an inexplicable lack of substance, bereft of the volume that the growing season offered on a plate. It feels a little monotone toward the finish and needs more personality and charm. Adequate, but a pale facsimile of the previous vintage. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château.