A spectacular jewel from the Garcin family, this small vineyard near Haut-Bergey consists of 15 acres planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. A dense purple color is accompanied by notes of blackberries, cassis, graphite and charcoal embers that cut a broad, medium to full-bodied swath across the palate. It is another 2011 that proves the surprisingly high quality of the wines from Pessac-Leognan and Graves in this vintage as well as the qualitative commitments of the Garcin family. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
Lifted cassis fruit, good clarity and depth but a shows a little greenness. Drink 2015-2020.
Unfortunately, there are only 500-600 cases of Branon produced from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in a vineyard situated near Malartic-Lagraviere and Haut-Bailly. Much better than its stablemate Haut-Bergey, the 2011 Branon exhibits notes of camphor, barbecue smoke, black currants and blueberries. This intensely rich effort tastes of old vines, ink and graphite. This medium to full-bodied, rich Pessac-Leognan should drink well for 15 or more years.
