2014 Château Branon Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux France Wine Tasting Note
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2014
Château Branon (Pessac-Léognan)
A new, fresh style of wine for Branon, now produced by the brother of owner Helene Garcin. Truffle, tobacco and blackberry notes lead to a more finesse driven approach with a tangy, dark chocolate and blackberry finish. Gone is the opulent style to which we have become accustomed, at least in this vintage. This will undoubtedly please some people but it may alienate fans of the estate’s older, more lavish vintages. 90-92 Pts 2,266 Views Tasted Apr 24, 2015 |
When to Drink Chateau Branon, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Chateau Branon can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. But the wine can be oaky, so decanting is needed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1-3 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.
Chateau Branon is usually better with at least 10 years of bottle age before pulling a cork. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Branon offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-25 years of age after the vintage.
Chateau Branon Character and Style
The style of Chateau Branon is lush, sexy, and rich. The wine is concentrated and fleshy. There is a great purity of fruit and ample complexity in the flavors in this modern-styled Bordeaux wine. With bottle age, the wines of Branon take on more softness and complexity.
But the wine has an oaky component that is not going to please all tasters. For quality at this level, coupled with a very small production, Branon remains fairly priced.
Serving Chateau Branon with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
Chateau Branon is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine of Chateau Branon is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.
Chateau Branon is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.