Baron de Brane Magnum 2014

Baron de Brane Magnum, Château Brane Cantenac, Margaux, Bordeaux, France, 2014 

The "second" wine of the Chateau uses fruit from vines averaging 25 years of age grown on deep clay/gravel soil. The wine receives 12 months' ageing in French oak (20%-30% new barrels).

A superb nose is very well defined, expressive with overflowing fruit, mocha and espresso notes. The medium-dense palate offers fine tannins and a finish which is tinged with tobacco and spice. A very elegant wine.

"The Baron de Brane 2014 is a blend of 65.4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and a pinch of Carmenère. It has a light, slightly dusty and tertiary bouquet that is defined, and, like the Grand Vin, perhaps a little old fashioned in style. There is nothing wrong with that. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin, light tobacco-infused red berry fruit with an austere finish."

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, April 2015

"Expressive toasty characters on the nose, with an almost burnt character to the black fruit. Medium body and intensity. The posh oak treatment can’t hide the relative simplicity of the fruit on the palate."

16/20 points, Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com, July 2018