Baron de Brane 2019

The 2019 Baron de Brane is the first to use a tiny amount of amphora in the élevage. It offers fine lift on the nose of almost airy red berry fruit, raspberry confit and rose petals; a light loamy scent emerges with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh opening, and a little angular initially, but it coheres toward the middle, delivering tart red cherries, fine acidity and good delineation toward the pencil-lead-infused finish. This is a fine Deuxième Vin from the estate that should drink well for a decade and more. 14.2° alcohol

This has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, currants, rosehips and hazelnuts. It’s medium-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Elegant and fresh. Pretty finish. Drink from 2024.

The 2019 Baron de Brane is made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 1% Carmenere. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold scents of crushed blueberries, boysenberries, and ripe blackcurrants, plus wafts of violets, aniseed, and tapenade. Full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully balanced, it has lovely plush tannins and freshness to counter the fruit, finishing long and fragrant.

Inky plum colour, deep and rich damson and raspberry fruits, with touches of peony aromatics. This is good quality, confident stuff. An upscore from En Primeur.