Château Brown

Blackcurrant, stewed-blackberry, thyme, bark and licorice aromas. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. It really grows on the palate. Layered. Try from 2024.

Barrel sample. Deepest crimson. Spicily scented cassis and just a touch of cedar. Ripe but fresh fruited. Smooth and very spicy – quite oaky – on the palate, remarkably smooth tannins, velvety texture and lots of spice, and just a little bit of heat, on the finish. Tannins are dense but surprisingly approachable. The alcohol is slightly intrusive at the end but it's still quite juicy.

The 2014 Brown, now in bottle, is building on the promise it showed in barrel. It has a ripe and generous bouquet with upfront cedar-infused black fruit. This property is always a little feisty in its youth and this 2014 is no different, though it needs 3-4 years to fully assimilate the new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, delicious black fruit laced with tobacco and spices, gently fanning out towards the finish that offers commendable substance and length. A Pessac-Léognan property that I feel is undervalued in the marketplace, this 2014 Château Brown comes recommended and should drink well for 15-20 years.