Tasting Notes
Vinous 92
A dark, racy wine, the 2012 Branon is tightly wound and full of energy, with terrific balance of forward fruit and acidity. Black cherry, plum, mocha and spices meld together effortlessly. This deep, resonant Pessac-Léognan could use another year or so to fully come together, but it is promising. Branon emerges from a two hectare parcel that now technically lies within Haut-Bergey, the Garcin family’s other Léognan estate. The blend is 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc done in 100% new French oak barrels.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032
Robert Parker 94
A luxury cuvee from this tiny, 15-acre vineyard in the heart of Leognan 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-Leognans. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030