Back in September 2007 I visited Chateau Brown in Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, just before the harvest was about to begin (see my photo gallery here). This week, I’ve finally had a chance to taste the wine made from those grapes that I saw on the vines. And given the vintage, it’s a really impressive result. There’s something great about closing the loop like this.

Chateau Brown is owned by negociant house Yvon Mau. Surprisingly, you don’t see the wines available in the UK all that often. They’re actually pretty good, with a sense of place and some real Pessac-Leognan character. This 2007 has a lovely expressive personality and will make for good drinking over the next five years. It’s already approachable.

Chateau Brown 2007 Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Sweet, open, aromatic berry/cherry fruit nose with some subtle roast coffee oak notes, but these aren’t offensive. The palate is supple with nice rounded smooth berry and black fruits as well as smooth tannins. Some elegance. Quite polished but still authentic, this is drinking well now but will probably improve for a year or two and then hold for a lot longer. 91/100

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