Chateau Brown 2014

ANTONIO GALLONI: "A dark, explosive wine, the 2014 Brown hits the palate with tons of intensity and breadth. Black fruit, smoke, mint, leather and tobacco wrap around the huge, structured finish in a wine that brings together intense fruit with an equally imposing sense of structure. Consulting winemaker Frédéric Massie continues to do impressive work at Brown, a historic estate in Pessac-Léognan that seems to be on the rise. There is a lot to like and look forward to. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Quite a savory wine in which the cassis and cranberry fruit rather sit in the background, but the tannins are moderate in this context, and that makes the wine very approachable. Better in two years but already delicious."

THE WINEADVOCATE: "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."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This château in the middle of Bordeaux suburbs is now on good form, producing a wine that is firm and structured, with dark tannins and ample acidity. "

WINESPECTATOR: "Very solid, with a core of gently steeped black currant and plum fruit that shows ample depth, while notes of bay, loam and bramble run underneath. A loamy edge echoes longest, thanks to well-embedded acidity. Best from 2019 through 2028. 6,500 cases made."