By Henri Lurton
Baron de Brane 2017 Grand Vin de Margaux

Vineyard
Terroir of deep gravel and clay

2017 Vintage
The frost had an irregular impact as only some parts of the vineyard were affected similarly. The property's best plots on the Brane plateau and Carabin were spared. The plots behind the park suffered the worst damage, resulting in a substantial reduction in the harvest and necessitating very careful, complex work on the vines. 2017 has, however, produced some very fine wines. The Brane blend, consisting only of grapes from plots not affected by the frost, is in line with the two previous vintages, and the separate harvesting of the first and second-generation bunches from the frost-hit vines enabled the production of some very high-quality second wines.

Winemaking
Harvest Dates: 14 September - 2 October
Average Vine Age: 25 years old
Vinification: In stainless steel and concrete vats
Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels, 20-30% new

Blend
53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenere

Tasting Notes
Beautiful, intense dark color. The nose is very aromatic, with pure and ripe fruit aromas mixed with gravel, spice, and tobacco. On the palate, it is nicely balanced, with round and lively expressive flavors. The tannins are elegant and melted. A charming wine to drink between 2019 and 2030.

Technical Data
Alcohol: 13.00%
TA: 3.5 g/l
pH: 3.67
[Information provided by Maisons Marques and Domaines USA]

BARON DE BRANE MARGAUX 2017
Friday, January 10, 2020
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Vintage: 2017
Score: 90
A very refined nose with redcurrants, red flowers and a complex mix of light, fresh earth and tobacco leaf. The palate delivers a bright, fresh impression with fine, lively tannins casting a very vibrant and succulent, red-fruit finish. A blend of 53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere. Second wine of Chateau Brane-Cantenac. Drink or hold.

2017 Baron de Brane
Producer: Brane-Cantenac
Place of Origin: France, Margaux 2nd Grand Cru Classe, Bordeaux
Color: Red
Rating: 89
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2027
From: 2017 Bordeaux - Mirror, Mirror on The Wall… (Mar 2020)
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni on December 2019
The 2017 Baron de Brane is a pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and new leather are all nicely pushed forward. There is a good bit of immediacy to the 2017, if not a ton of depth or persistence.

2017 Le Baron de Brane (Margaux)
Points: 87
Fresh, bright, sweet red fruit, this wine is medium bodied, soft, elegant and ready for prime time drinking on release.
Tasted Apr 26, 2018