2009 Branaire-Ducru (St-Julien)
Secondary Description
A visit to Branaire-Ducru and meeting and tasting with owner Patrick Maroteaux provided an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with the style at this superbly equipped chateau. This is St-Julien for Burgundy lovers, the emphasis on balance, elegance, finesse. It is a must buy for a high quality-price ratio.
Producer
Origin
St-Julien, Medoc, Bordeaux, FRANCE
Colour
red
Wine Style
dry
Dominant Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Closure Style
cork
Maturity
ready
Bottle size
75cl
Case Quantity
12
Alcohol
13.5%
Classification
Medoc fourth growths 4th 4eme
Score
92-95 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, April 2010
93 points, Neal Martin, vinous.com, March 2019
90 points, Jean-Marc Quarin, quarin.com, April 2010
17.5 points, Steven Spurrier, Decanter, April 2010
This product is delisted and unavailable for sale.
Media Reviews
Robert Parker
Only time will tell whether the 2009, another great effort from Branaire, will eclipse the 2005 and 2003. Certainly at 13.6% alcohol it is the most powerful Branaire ever made, and the final blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot showcases what a great vintage 2009 is for Cabernet Sauvignon. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by raspberry, boysenberry, crushed rock, graphite, and floral notes, and an opaque, broad, dense, substantial, impressively structured wine without any hardness. It requires 4-5 years of cellaring, and should last four decades or more. Tasted two times. 92-95 points
Neal Martin
The 2009 Branaire Ducru has a somewhat conservative bouquet with cedar and graphite scented black fruit, touches of brown spice emerging with time. It never quite clicks into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly drier tannin than its peers, yet well balanced and fresh, hints of sage and bay leaf infusing the black fruit with a delightful, vivacious, quintessential Saint-Julien finish. Excellent. 93 points