Alto de Cantenac Brown 2018 (also known as Alto de Cantenac Brown Blanc) is Château Cantenac Brown’s signature white wine, crafted from their small estate vineyard in Margaux.
🍇 Grape Composition & Terroir
This Bordeaux Blanc is a precise blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, cultivated on gravelly, well-draining Médoc soils. The 4.5‑hectare vineyard is sustainably farmed, reflecting the progressive ethos of this Third Growth estate.
👃 Aromatics
The nose opens with lively citrus and orchard fruit notes—think pink grapefruit, lemon tart, white peach, and pineapple—introducing a floral undertone and subtle spice such as saffron.
👅 Palate Presence
On the palate, it delivers a medium-bodied frame with refreshing acidity. Flavors of lemon curd, white peach, and grapefruit are supported by a creamy texture and mineral hints—crushed stones and flinty tension—balancing vibrancy and depth.
🔁 Finishing Notes
The finish is long and zesty, with lingering citrus zest, saline minerality, and a white-peach echo that leaves a clean, lively impression.
🎯 Overall Profile
Alto is a textbook blend of Bordeaux white elegance: crisp yet rich, fruit-driven yet complex. It sings with Margaux character, offering both immediate appeal and food-friendly versatility—ideal alongside seafood, poultry, or herb-accented dishes.
🗓️ Drinking Window
Drinkable now for its freshness and charm, but will develop layered complexity and mineral focus over the next few years.
🌟 Final Take
The 2018 Alto de Cantenac Brown Blanc is a vibrant, terroir-driven Bordeaux white with refined elegance—a compelling expression of Sauvignon-led craftsmanship from a red-wine powerhouse estate.