Baron de Brane, Margaux, 2021
We've said it before, there aren't many second wines that stand out (for the right reasons) in 2021. Along with Lacoste Borie, the Baron de Brane is one of those rare successes. A blend of 50% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, this is vivid, juicy and fresh. It's not complex, but it's really well measured with a decent core of crisp fruit. There's a plumpness and generosity to the Merlot. Well controlled with a long, succulent finish. A really pleasing claret.
critic reviews
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.
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.
Made from 50% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Baron de Brane is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It opens with notions of redcurrant jelly, raspberry leaves, and graphite, leading to hints of dried herbs and underbrush. Light-bodied, the palate is chewy and a little lean, with an herb-laced finish.
Fresh and welcoming aromatics, attractive raspberry and redcurrant fruit, sappy rather than plump fruit, welcoming, if less concentrated than over the past few vintages. 15% new oak, 15% amphoras. 41hl/h yield, very little affected by the frost except on young vines. Saignee on the Merlot to concentrate flavours, up to 15-25% according to the vats. Harvest September 23 to October 7.