2014 – Vinum Lector

Baron de Brane Margaux AOC (Château Brane-Cantenac GCC 2nd wine)

Vinum Lector Staff — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:22:52 +0000

Château Brane-Cantenac stands proudly in the heart of the prestigious Margaux appellation. Renowned for its wines of remarkable elegance and finesse, this 75-hectare property is an emblem of quality and excellence in the world of fine wines. Since Henri Lurton took over in 1992, he has made it his mission to produce the best possible wine, reinforcing Brane’s position as a second classified growth in 1855. The Château de Brane-Cantenac vineyard is unique in that the terroir of the Brane plateau contributes to the elegant and aromatic signature of the estate's wines. Baron de Brane is the second wine from Château Brane-Cantenac. This wine is a tribute to Baron Jacques-Maxime de Brane, who owned the vineyard in the 19th century. This second wine is made from deep gravel plots of clay gravel. For more info, visit Château Brane-Cantenac website. VARIETALS 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc VINTAGE 2012 - Download Tasting Note 2014 - Download Tasting Note 2016 - Download Tasting Note 2019 - Download Tasting Note

Pastourelle de Clerc Milon Pauillac AOC (Château Clerc Milon GCC 2nd wine)

Vinum Lector Staff — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:50:54 +0000

Tied to the Seigneuries of Lafite and Mouton (future First Classified Growths belonging to two different branches of the Rothschild family), Château Clerc Milon derives its name from its historic owners, the Clerc family, who acquired it when it was sold as a national asset after the French Revolution. Living testimony to the considerable improvements in quality achieved at the property since the arrival of Baron Philippe and his descendants, Château Clerc Milon now has a second wine. Pastourelle de Clerc Milon has joined the dance and already accomplished its first very confident steps in the company of fine Pauillac wines. Its name comes from a traditional dance, the pastourelle, which evokes a knight’s romantic encounter with a shepherdess: the name echoes the pair of dancers that adorn the label of the Grand Vin. Made of gold, enamel and pearls, this precious miniature from the Museum of Wine in Art at Château Mouton Rothschild belonged to Catherine II, the empress of Russia, and is inspired by characters of the Commedia dell’Arte. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild chose it as the Clerc Milon emblem because of her love of the theatre. 2012 was a year of contrasts. The conditions of the vintage favoured superb expression of the Merlot, here mostly planted on clay-limestone parcels. For more info, visit Château Clerc Milon website. VARIETALS 65% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc VINTAGE 2012 - Download Tasting Note 2014 - Download Tasting Note 2015 - Download Tasting Note 2016 - Download Tasting Note 2020 - Download Tasting Note 2021 - Download Tasting Note 2022 - Download Tasting Note

Château Joanin Bécot Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC (Dragon edition)

Vinum Lector Staff — Tue, 28 May 2024 10:31:27 +0000

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%

APPEARANCE
It reveals itself in the glass in dense purple, towards garnet on the edges, due to the age.

NOSE
Aromas of red and black fruits with a nice freshness seduce with hints of mulberry, blueberry, black currant and blackberry.

PALATE
Château Joanin Bécot is a gourmet wine, with lots of roundness and sweetness. The tannins are fine, velvety and elegant.

PAIRING
Ideal with grilled red meats, hard cheeses such as Vieux Comté and desserts made with dark chocolate.

RATINGS

90-91pts

90pts

3.8

Second de Camensac Haut-Médoc AOC (Château Camensac GCC 2 wine)

Vinum Lector Staff — Mon, 27 May 2024 13:47:55 +0000

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13%

APPEARANCE
A beautiful, deep, and brilliant red with garnet highlights.

NOSE
Expressive and aromatic, combining black fruits and ripe cherry with prominent secondary notes of cedar, vanilla, and spice. Detectable subtle hints of tobacco and earthy undertones as well.

PALATE
It offers a suave attack with ample volume and a medium-to-full body. The texture is defined by smooth, supple tannins and balanced acidity, featuring flavors of cassis, black cherry, layers of leather or chocolate.

AGEING
12 months in oak barrels.

PAIRING
It pairs best with grilled red meats, earthy vegetables, and classic French-inspired dishes that complement its cedar and dark fruit notes.

RATINGS

90pts

3.8

Château Grand Corbin Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé AOC

Vinum Lector Staff — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:33:50 +0000

On a map dating from 1811 there are five castles, not far from each other, all bearing the name of Corbin. Today, the Grand Corbin vineyard extends in one piece over 37 ha of which 28.5 ha are Grand Crus Classés of Saint Emilion. Thanks to the expertise and know-how of an experienced team, the latest vintages confirm the progress made both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Wines with silky and suave tannins, with a nose marked by truffles, a discreet woodiness and a few touches of mocha. Freshness, elegance, shine are the other characteristics. The blue clays give these wines structure, density and ensure real aging potential. For more info, visit Château Grand Corbin website. VARIETALS 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon VINTAGE 2014 - Download Tasting Note 2019 - Download Tasting Note

Fugue de Nenin Pomerol AOC (Château Nenin 2nd wine)

Vinum Lector Staff — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:53:26 +0000

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%
Total Acidity 3.70
pH 3.55

APPEARANCE
Deep ruby with garnet rims.

NOSE
Fragrant, expressive bouquet highlighted by sweet aromas of red cherry, crushed strawberry, and plum, accented by delicate floral tones like violet and hints of pepper.

PALATE
Medium-bodied, juicy, dynamic. It shows a solid core of savory dark berry fruits laced with subtle notes of graphite, vanilla, and earthiness. The structure features very soft, polished, and fully integrated tannins that offer a smooth, lithe, and clean finish.

AGEING
Matured for 12 months in oak barrels, with 30% being new oak.

PAIRING
Pairs exceptionally well with grilled beef, roasted duck, pheasant, or earthy wild mushroom dishes.

RATINGS

91pts

90pts

4

Château Giscours Margaux Grand Cru Classé AOC

Vinum Lector Staff — Fri, 01 May 2020 02:53:34 +0000

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%

APPEARANCE
Deep and dark color with violet reflections.

NOSE
On the nose there is fruit concentration with red cherries, raspberry and blackcurrant laced with cedar and graphite.

PALATE
The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a bright finish and very pretty Cabernet Sauvignon character.

AGEING
15 to 18 months in medium toasted French oak barrels.

PAIRING
Ideal with beef, lamb, game and poultry, as well as medium to strong cheeses.

READINESS FOR DRINKING
Drink this serious wine from now for the next 20 years.

RATINGS

96pts

95pts

92pts

91pts

4.2

Château Lalande-Borie Saint-Julien AOC

Vinum Lector Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 03:33:03 +0000

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%

APPEARANCE
Deep purple with garnet reflections.

NOSE
The nose reveals pleasant fruity notes, especially black cherry.

PALATE
On the palate, this 2014 is very tasty and vigorous, with well-present tannins. Fresh and delicate, it offers a beautiful silky and sensual structure and a long, fruity finish.

AGEING
12 months in 30% French new oak barrels.

PAIRING
The wine goes well with grilled meats, especially lamb meat, as well as truffles, roast beef, Parma ham and mature cheeses.

READINESS FOR DRINKING
Drink now or cellar it for 10-12 years.

RATINGS