2016 Baron de Brane

Brane-Cantenac's 2016 Baron de Brane is a silky, gracious second wine from Brane-Cantenac that is ideal for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Expressive floral and savory notes add brightness to a core of sweet red berry and plum fruit. The 2016 is delicate and a touch lithe in the glass, with superb balance and tons of sheer immediacy.

Brane-Cantenac's second wine, the 2016 Baron de Brane, is juicy, forward and flat-out delicious, all qualities that are enhanced by the strong presence of Merlot in the blend. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, tobacco and new leather develop in the glass, along with a kick of citrus-driven brightness that perks things up nicely. Above all else, though, Baron de Brane is a racy, fruit-driven wine to drink in its youth.

The 2016 Baron de Brane is a blend of 65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. It has a very pure and charming bouquet with brambly red fruit, cedar and pencil shavings, very assured for a Deuxième Vin. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin on the entry, the fruit a little darker than the nose suggests, segueing into a well-defined second half with brown spices and hints of leather. This is an intriguing Baron de Brane.