2020 Baron de Brane

The 2020 Baron de Brane has opened up nicely on the nose since I tasted it from barrel with earthy black fruit, hints of freshly-rolled tobacco and autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, which have gained a little weight since I tasted this from barrel. Red berry fruit laced with black pepper and graphite on the finish.

The 2020 Baron de Brane is a heady, exuberant wine. Dark red/purplish fruit, mocha, chocolate, lavender, spice and new leather are all beautifully delineated. Fine tannins, lifted aromatics and succulent fruit are all very nicely balanced. The 2020 is quite flashy yet retains a good bit of energy, too, with floral top notes that lift the finish nicely. It's a gorgeous second wine from Henri Lurton and Brane-Cantenac.

An exceptionally good second wine, succulent black cherry and damson fruit, easy to approach with vibrant mint notes and silky, well-textured tannins, 15% new oak. Good density.