A luxury cuvée from this tiny, 15-acre vineyard in the heart of Léognan owned by the Garcin family, the final blend on the 2012 Garcin is 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot. A big, full-throttle, full-bodied, impressive Pessac-Leognan, with notes of charcoal fires, burning embers, blueberry and blackberry fruit, this full-bodied, rich, supple wine is very impressive, beautifully textured and quite pure and long. This is a star of the vintage and certainly one of the best Pessac-Léognans. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. - Robert Parker

(NM90-92 points) Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. The Branon is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon (plus four rows of Malbec.) It has a sophisticated bouquet with clean, ripe cedar and tobacco scented black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a salty-tang on the entry. I like the tension here and the poise – a classically styled Branon that does not have the weight of a top vintage, but it is certainly well crafted.

This is nicely packed and has good energy, with lots of blackberry, boysenberry and black currant paste flavors, carried by briary yet integrated grip. Finishes vividly, showing mouthwatering anise and fruitcake notes. Best from 2017 through 2025. 500 cases made.