The 2015 Le Baron de Brane is a Bordeaux blend produced by Le Baron de Brane in the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with an alcohol content of 14.5%, is sealed with a cork and reflects the exceptional 2015 vintage.
Decanter rated this wine 91 points, emphasizing its potential despite its current youth. The reviewer noted, "2015 was an exceptional vintage in this part of the world, making many second wines a shrewd value purchase. Luckily this doesn't disappoint," though they also recommended holding off for a few more years to allow the wine to mature. The wine's finish shows a touch of heat from the alcohol, but this is balanced by its finesse and subtle hints of cinnamon.
James Suckling also awarded the wine 91 points, describing it as "A tight and focused red with red currant and berry character. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a straightforward finish." He highlighted its straightforward nature and soft tannins, making it accessible even in its youth.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a 90-point score, observing that it improved significantly from barrel to bottle. He commented, "With time, the wine has filled out, softened and developed more of its refined, early-drinking, soft textured, floral charm. This is perfect for restaurants today."
Vinous' Neal Martin also rated the wine 90 points, describing it as having "one of the more flamboyant Margaux bouquets," with aromas of red cherry, crushed strawberry, and cedar. He praised its fresh, tensile palate and fine-grained tannins, noting its dark cherry, bay leaf, and cedar flavors toward a persistent finish.
Wine Spectator gave the wine another 90-point rating, highlighting its "perfumy black tea note" and core of "gently mulled cherry and red currant fruit." The reviewer also mentioned additional notes of alder and warm stone, with a light iron echo on the finish, suggesting it will be best enjoyed between 2019 and 2029.
Overall, the 2015 Le Baron de Brane is a well-regarded wine that shows promise for further aging. Its balanced character, combined with the nuances of the exceptional 2015 vintage, makes it a noteworthy choice for both immediate enjoyment and future cellaring.