2010 Branon, Pessac-Léognan (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1066779
97
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Once again in 2010, notes of mocha, espresso roast, chocolate, creme de cassis and scorched earth soar from this opaque purple-colored wine. It is aged in 100% new oak, but that is hardly noticeable given the wine’s sensational richness and extravagant fruit. This wine is classic, full-bodied and intense. It’s just a shame that less than 8,000 bottles are usually made. This wine is still backward, but very full, rich, and impressively pure in texture. Give it another 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years. From a small but fabulous jewel of a property owned by the Garcin family, sandwiched between Malartic Lagraviere and Haut-Bailly, this blend of 50% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely sensational. The debut vintage, 2000, continues to show tremendous potential and clearly reveals the high quality terroir Branon possesses.
(2/ 2013)
93-94
points
James Suckling
This has great fruit. So pure and beautiful, with blueberry, currant and raspberries. Full, yet very reserved, with a long, long finish. $$.
(3/ 2011)
88-91
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Fully saturated inky-ruby. Sexy aromas of balsamic plum, smoke, sweet spices and wild herbs. Dense, sweet and rich, with the palate showing more vibrancy than the nose suggests. Dark berry flavors are complemented by vanilla, balsamic vinegar and menthol but are currently slightly overwhelmed by smoky oak and cocoa. The wine finishes long but with mounting and rather astringent tannins that detract considerably from its pleasure quotient. I greatly prefer the 2009.
(6/ 2011)