| 91 Points: “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. Drink Date 2020 - 2030” – Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (April 2017)
90 Points: “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.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (December 2018)
90 Points: “Alluring lilac and black tea notes lead off, followed by a soft-edged mix of cherry and plum compote flavors, backed by singed sandalwood details on the finish.” – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (November 2017)
FROM THE WINERY
Since 1992, Henri Lurton has continued the journey that his father and ancestors began. Although a proponent of innovation and new technology, Henri is careful never to lose sight of the traditional values that remain an inherent part of Brane’s identity. Above all, he is proud of the unique terroir, and recognises the need to treat the soil, vines and grapes with immense respect as he carefully steers Brane’s future course.
Each plot and sub-plot has distinct characteristics, making them best suited for particular grape varieties. At Brane, we grow Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (4.5%) and Carmenère (0.5%). The vineyards are continuously micro-managed with a single goal in mind: producing the highest quality grapes and maintaining low yields. Replanting efforts in recent years, and a movement towards organic growing, demonstrate our strong commitment to sustainable
viticulture.
Obtaining the finest possible fruit requires a unique exchange between man and nature, based on a deep understanding of the land itself, developed through centuries of experience. Famous for its deep, gravelly and mineral-rich soils, Brane possesses some of Margaux’s very finest plots. The chateau is positioned on an illustrious plateau, its topography provides superb natural drainage, with stony soils forcing the roots of the vines to delve deep into the earth for sustenance.
From mid-September, one of the most exciting and work-intensive periods begins. Usually peaceful and tranquil, the chateau becomes a flurry of activity as everyone prepares to gather the fruit that has been painstakingly nurtured throughout the year. Thorough scientific analysis and tasting of the grapes must take place before the order is given to harvest. Picking may only occur once each plot reaches a point of perfect
maturity.
A rigorous sorting process is carried out on a variety-by-variety and plot-by-plot basis, while state-of-the-art optical scanning equipment allows for unprecedented precision and quality control. Next, the grapes are crushed, followed by fermentation, maceration and pressing, before the wine is transferred into barrels. Every stage requires patience, accuracy and impeccable hygiene.
The wine must rest and mature in the cool, dark cellar in preparation for its life in bottle. Micro-oxygenation occurs as the wine gradually absorbs oxygen through the barrel staves. Throughout this initial ageing process, it is the job of oenologists to taste regularly, judging the pace of the wine’s evolution. At Brane, the type of barrels used (up to 70% new oak) and the length of ageing (18 months, on average) are determined according to the characteristics of the vintage and blend.
Complacency has
no place at Brane. Tradition must be matched with forward thinking and a constant hunger for improvement. Recent investments in an entirely new winery and significant upgrades to machinery mark a concerted effort to improve quality while simultaneously reducing our ecological footprint. Continuous experimentation in the vat room and cellar ensures that we are at the cutting edge of modern winemaking.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The name of our second wine honours Baron Jacques-Maxime de Brane, who owned the estate in the 19th century. Blended from vats carefully selected for their suppleness, it is aged just like the First Wine, but for a 12-month period.
Terroir of deep gravels and clay on the “Terrasse” n° 3.
VINTAGE 2016
2016 was a dry year but paradoxically yields were high. Very fortunately, there was a sudden improvement in the weather during flowering. Luck was with us again in mid-September with beneficial rain that enabled ripening to be completed. The merlots grapes on the adjoining plots of the grand vin’s ones were particularly expressive and savoury.
Harvest dates: 22 September -17 October.
Vines’ average age: 25 years old.
Vinification: in stainless steel and concrete vats.
Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels, with 20% to 30% new.
BLEND
65 % Merlot
32 % Cabernet Sauvignon
3 % Cabernet Franc
TASTING NOTES
Dense purple colour. The nose expresses black fruit aromas such as blackberry and fleshy cherry mixed with elegant toast, smoke, vanilla aromas, and fresh notes. The palate is round, dense, and very well balanced with a beautiful tannic structure already showing silky and refined tannins. The finish is long with a very nice fruity and aromatic back palate. A wine already very silky and very promising. 2019-2030.
Alc. degree: 13.5 %
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