Baron de Brane 2021

Delicately fragrant, red-fruited, raspberries, sour cherries. Polished palate, clear and pure, delicate red fruit, lots of freshness. A hit, perfect for the restaurant trade.

Matured in barriques, the 2021 Baron de Brane offers up aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, violets and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy palate that's pure and open-knit, with powdery structuring tannins that don't prevent this from remaining youthfully accessible.

Real mint, eucalyptus-touched cherries and blackcurrants on the nose, black pepper and bramble aromas with soft perfume too. The texture is so smooth and this has excellent weight on the palate with the structure noticeable and appealing. The flavour fills the mouth and this has good grip and tension, the tannins seamless but the depth settling on the mid-palate with the spicy as well as mineral backbone running through the wine. Gorgeous clarity here and just a general feeling that this is really well made! A top second wine, so charming and so beguiling. Really approachable now but with the weight, structure and intensity to age. Great freshness too. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.63pH.

The 2021 Baron de Brane was bottled in May. The nose has gained a bit more depth and concentration since I tasted it from barrel, showing the same raspberry and strawberry fruit with light gravelly scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is noticeable acidity here that lends freshness. The 2021 is distinctly classic in style, linear and focused, with gentle grip on the finish. Drink it over the next six to eight years.

Black raspberries, red currants, spice, cherries and dried roses pop in the aromatics. Medium-bodied, fresh, silky-textured and forward, with a core of ripe red plums and cherries, this is good to go on release, while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2024–2032.

Intense ruby, purple hues, bright, narrow rim. Delicately floral, red cherries, a touch of hibiscus, mineral and fresh, hints of cassis. Medium-bodied, red berry fruit, rounded texture, discreet structure; harmonious and already very accessible.

Delicate red-berry contours, cooled rosehip tea and rosemary. On the juicy palate with a soft texture, ripe extract, a nervy drive and medium body. In the aromatic finish, redcurrant juice, light graphite and lingonberry purée. An impressive second wine from Margaux.

Fresh and welcoming aromatics, attractive raspberry and redcurrant fruit, sappy rather than plump, inviting, if less concentrated than over the past few vintages. 15% new oak, 15% amphoras. 41 hl/ha yield, very little affected by frost except on young vines. Saignée on the Merlot to concentrate flavours, up to 15–25% depending on the vats. Harvest from September 23 to October 7.

The nose is fruity, offering indulgence and a touch of fine creaminess. It reveals notes of boysenberry, fleshy/bright strawberry, and, more subtly, creamy blackcurrant, combined with a hint of vibrant fruit and lily, as well as touches of caramelization, a delicate hint of chocolate, and pepper. The palate is fruity, with juiciness, freshness, lovely fruit brightness, aromatic purity, restraint, and delicacy. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy cherry and raspberry, and, more subtly, fresh blackcurrant, paired with fine floral hints, small touches of racy gravel, a delicate iodized note, caramelization, toasted hazelnut, and chocolate. The tannins are fine, elegant, and racy. A lovely quality of tannins.

Dark, deep purple color. Very aromatic nose with pure fruit, showing a fresh presence without being brisk. Precise on the attack, very flavorful mid-palate, slender without edge or tension; this wine melts on a juicy, noble, refined palate with no tannic angles. Long and impossible to spit out. Blend: 50% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 12.9% – pH: 3.63.