2022 Margaux de Brane

The 2022 Margaux de Brane is an attractive, medium to full-bodied, fresh and juicy effort, redolent of sweet berries and petals. As readers may remember, it's produced from young vines across the estate (everything under 10 years old is now picked separately, as young vines ripen sooner) and some sandier terroirs, and it's matured in oak vats.

The 2022 Margaux de Brane, the third wine of Brane-Cantenac from the youngest vines across the estate, is aged in wooden vats rather than barrels. It has a light but agreeable bouquet with black plum and blackberry scents mixed with brown leaves and light peppery scents. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins. This is a straightforward Margaux without much grip, though it slips down the throat easily.

The 2022 Margaux de Brane, the chateau's young-vines, Merlot-based offering, is soft, fruity and ready to go. Supple contours wrap around a core of pretty, red-toned fruit in this easygoing, charming Margaux. All the elements are very nicely balanced throughout. Floral notes lift the finish.