2019 Baron de Brane (Brane-Cantenac), Margaux, Bordeaux - 750ml

92 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Baron de Brane is the second wine of Château Brane-Cantenac, the historic Second Growth of Margaux, offering the estate’s refined Left Bank character in a more approachable form. The excellent 2019 vintage produced a particularly polished rendition, combining ripe Cabernet fruit with Margaux’s floral lift, freshness and fine-grained texture.

Blend: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 1% Carménère.

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, cassis and raspberry are joined by violet, plum, subtle cedar and savory spice. With air, the fruit takes on more floral and earthy nuances, while the palate shows supple dark fruit, fine tannins and a fresh, lightly mineral finish.

Structure: Medium-bodied and elegant, with silky tannins and fresh acidity giving the wine definition without excessive weight. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone and aromatic lift, while the generous proportion of Merlot contributes roundness and accessibility.

Drink Window: Now–2034. The 2019 is firmly in its drinking window, with enough fruit and structure for further development while already showing the supple texture expected from a well-made second wine.

Decanting: Decant for approximately 30–45 minutes if drinking now to allow the fruit and floral character to open. As the wine moves further into maturity, gentler aeration will be preferable.

For those who appreciate the finesse of Margaux, Baron de Brane offers an appealing way to experience the character and pedigree of Brane-Cantenac without waiting for the grand vin to reach full maturity. The 2019 is particularly versatile at the table, pairing naturally with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck, mushrooms and other savory dishes.