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
- Chateau Branaire-Ducru
- Origin
- St-Julien, Medoc, Bordeaux FRANCE
- Colour
- red
- Wine Style
- dry
- Dominant Grape
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Closure Style
- cork
- Maturity
- drink or keep
- Bottle Size
- 75cl
- Case Quantity
- 12
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Wine 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
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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
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