Château BRANAIRE-DUCRU
4ème grand cru classé
- 2020
- Saint-Julien
Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 95/100 “This is a very pretty classic, well designed and very refined. Straightforward and precise on the palate, supported by fresh fruit, with good length and style. A fine affair that will evolve well, just like its predecessors, the lovely 2019 and 2018, also highly recommendable.”
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2024): 93/100 “The 2020 Branaire Ducru has an open, more forward bouquet than its peers—just a touch of mint infusing the red berry fruit, later developing hints of India ink and pressed violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, sappy tannins. This doesn't quite posess the panache and complexity of its peers. It's old school in style with a firm backbone. Despite a little austerity toward the finish, this is a Saint-Julien that brims with charm and classicism.”
- To keep or to drink :
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée :
- 2028-2042
From the same producer
-
Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
Rated 18,5 en 2016 by la Revue du Vin de France.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2038
-
Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
The 2014 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (March 2017): 94/100 “Beautiful, dark, intense color. Very aromatic nose, with fresh, ripe fruit. Slender and suave on the palate from the outset, tasty and delicately fatty in the middle. It evolves with great taste towards great length, without any tannic angle. Very good.”
Vinous (N.Martin - February 2024): 91/100 “The 2014 Branaire-Ducru has a ‘calmer’ bouquet than its peers, a little muted at first, though well-defined with mainly black tertiary fruits mixed with tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2038
-
Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
The 2012 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - September 2022): 91/100 “The 2012 Branaire-Ducru has a rather subdued bouquet compared to its peers and lacks the same joie de vivre as the 2012 Clos du Marquis. The palate is medium-bodied with a light grip on the entry, finely balanced with admirable purity. It suggest that the aromatics might be amidst a dumb phase because there is more brightness towards the finish."
J-M Quarin (October 2014): 92/100 “Dark color, normal intensity. Fine, fruity nose. Finely pulpy and juicy palate, developing upwards, with a slender finish and a lovely grain of tannin. Very good, fine wine.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2038