Baron de Brane, Margaux, 2020
This Merlot dominated blend is always one of our favourite second wines. The result of the longest harvest ever (from early September to mid-October), this displays a lovely core of sweet, fragrant fruit, vibrant and unpretentious, it finishes with bright acidity and well-judged tannins. Very agreeable and will give much early drinking pleasure.
critic reviews
An exceptionally good second wine, succulent black cherry and damson fruit, easy to approach with vibrant mint notes and silky, well-textured tannins, 15% new oak. Good density.
The 2020 Baron de Brane has opened up nicely on the nose since I tasted it from barrel with earthy black fruit, hints of freshly-rolled tobacco and autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, which have gained a little weight since I tasted this from barrel. Red berry fruit laced with black pepper and graphite on the finish.
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Baron de Brane is deep garnet-purple in color. It leaps with vibrant black cherry and baked plums notes with a core of cassis, cedar chest, and tobacco plus a touch of sandalwood. Full-bodied, the palate has a chewy texture and bags of expressive fruit with just enough freshness to lift the finish. This was tasted as a barrel sample.
The 2020 Baron de Brane is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 58% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It weighs in with 14.2% alcohol and a pH of 3.71. Deep purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of crushed black and red currants, black raspberries and bay leaves, plus hints of lavender and damp soil. The medium-bodied palate is soft and refreshing with lively fruit and an herbal lift on the finish.