2014 Branon
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Tasting notes
Very backward, with a loamy wall of grip in front of the core of dark plum, currant and fig fruit. Features a long, bramble- and tar-filled finish. There's a lot going on here, but the parts are still wrestling with one another. Shows great energy overall, however, so this is easily worth one's patience.—J.M. Wine Spectator, April 2015.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A red with layers of berries, dark chocolate and stones that follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a fresh center palate.
The 2014 Branon emerges from a two hectare parcel that now technically lies within Haut-Bergey, the Garcin family's other L‚ognan estate, but that retains its own distinct personality. Iron, smoke, game, savory herbs and dark stone fruits power across tha palate in an intense wine endowed with tons of pure density and mid-palate richness. Big yet well-integrated tannins support the explosive, powerful finish. This is another compelling effort from proprietor H‚lŠne Garcin and her team. The blend is 50% Merlot , 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc. .
The Chateau Branon 2014 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon that is matured in 100% new oak. The wood element stands out on the nose although there is sufficient fruit underneath to support it. The palate is medium-bodied with dense, quite rigid tannin. There is good density here, firm in the mouth, a “solid” Pessac-Leognan that will hopefully develop more personality on the finish. Reflecting on this wine over several minutes, I felt that less oak, say 60% to 70% would have been preferable and allow the terroir to show through. Apr 2015, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
This small Pessac-Léognan estate has been owned by the Garcin family since 1996. Today the wine comes from just 0.8 hectares of the oldest vines, all farmed biodynamically, producing a vibrant and pure style of Bordeaux that ages beautifully.