92-93pts James Suckling
A linear and very fine second wine with blackcurrants, and a light bitterness with lemons. Medium body. Pretty tannins. Fresh and bright. 65% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
92pts Jane Anson
Clear fig and dried fruit notes, but this also has extremely clear freshness and lift, and opens up to show baked earth, pomegranate, tar and black chocolate. Gourmet, well handled. 38% of production. 30th vintage for Henri Lurton at Brane, 31hl/h yield, harvest September 7 to October 10 (last day was the Carmanère). They only used press wine from Cabernet Sauvignon this year (something that has only been true once before), 3.57ph.
90-92pts Vinous
The 2022 Baron de Brane capture all the richness of the year in its exuberant personality. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, leather, and licorice offer notable radiance. This supple, enchanting Margaux should drink well with minimal cellaring. There is a bit of firmness in the tannin from the drought. Hopefully élevage will soften some of the edges.
89-91pts Wine Advocate
Exhibiting aromas of ripe berries, loamy soil and a subtle hint of sweet saddle leather, the 2022 Baron de Brane is medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, sapid finish.
88-90pts The Wine Independent
A blend of 65% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Baron de Brane has a pH of 3.57 and the press wine had 13.4% alcohol. It is deep garnet-purple in color and notes of fresh blackberries, wild blueberries, and blackcurrant jelly leap from the glass, giving way to nuances of chocolate mint and lavender. The medium-bodied palate delivers vibrant black fruit layers, with fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced.
