2020 Chateau Branda - Puisseguin Saint-Emilion Kosher (750ml)

Chateau Branda anchors the Puisseguin Saint-Emilion appellation, one of the respected Saint-Emilion satellites on Bordeaux's Right Bank. Owner Guy Benjamin recognized the property's unusual geological pedigree, a limestone plateau sharing characteristics with the grands crus of Saint-Emilion itself, and built Branda into one of the region's most consistent estates. Today, managed by David Milcent, the property farms organically and holds ISO 14001 and HVE3 certifications, while this kosher bottling is produced under supervision of the OU and the Paris Beit Din, and is not mevushal.

The vineyard sits near 110 meters on the edge of a plateau, where clay-limestone soils formed from ancient alterite deposits lend the wine both structure and freshness. The blend leans on Merlot, rounded out with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from vines averaging close to half a century old. Grapes are picked by hand, a discipline the estate has maintained since its earliest vintages under Benjamin's ownership.

In the glass, this wine opens with mocha and a trace of smoke layered over ripe black and red fruit. The palate is smooth, full, and generous, carried by soft, silky tannins toward a long finish. Already appealing in its youth, it has the structure to age gracefully for another eight to ten years. Pour it alongside grilled lamb, braised short ribs, or a well-aged hard cheese.