Château La Brande 2022

Karl Todeschini, one of the two Todeschini brothers who steer Mangot and La Brande, prepared several interesting wines to taste. We tasted the splendid La Brande 2022 (92p) from Castillon with an unmistakable aroma of roses, velvety and complex 2023 Mangot (93p), broad-shouldered and dense 2022 (94p). We then tasted a special cuvee from the best parcels of the two vintages of C. Sauvignon, C. Franc, and Merlot, named Distique, in two vintages. Distique 15 (2022 vintage) was intense and tight. 94+p. Distique 16 (2023 vintage) was more elegant and subtle than the 2022 version but almost as splendid. 93+p.

We finished the tasting with a new project of Karl, white wine. He planted Merlot Blanc, a very rare grape variety near La Brande, in 2018. It’s called “Preface,” and 2021 was the first vintage released. This wine sees no oak and is aged in stainless steel vats. We tasted the 2023 version, a delightfully fresh, crisp, and tasteful wine. 91p. 

Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Elegant nose with ripe mulberries, plums and black cherries, hints of vanilla and restrained toasting in the background. On the palate well structured with ripe tannins, sweet and juicy fruit, restrained toasting and discreet spiciness. Good body and length.