Baron de Brane, Margaux,

Henri Lurton's magnificent second growth Chateau in Margaux produces a really good value second wine, Baron de Brane. We've been following this for several years, mainly selling to savvy restauranteurs. Those who have read our review of the Grand Vin will know that Brane is a bit special this year, so it's no surprise that Baron is pretty smart too. Lovely, pliable mid-weight flavours of griotte and cassis coat the palate. This is never going to be profound, but it is perfectly judged, gently extracted, with lovely acidity and supple tannins.