Chateau Branaire Ducru Saint Julien

The Château Branaire Ducru is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc picking started in September with the early-ripening Merlot and finished in October. The yields came in at 40 hectoliters per hectare.

A classic Saint Julien Chateau that has pushed the quality level up considerably in recent vintages under owner Patrick Maroteaux and winemaker Jean-Dominique Videau. This wine has bundles of real St Julien class and structure. Deep purple in colour with a pronounced nose of cherry and sweet vanilla. Very spicy fruit on the palate, with blackcurrant notes, soft rounded creamy tannins and lively acidity balanced by new oak flavours.

The nose is pretty, attractively perfumed, fresh and expressive. The palate is dominated by rich, fleshy fruit. There is a purity here, great precision and ripe tannins which grip, and offer an intense focus. High acidity, complexity and a persistence on the finish suggest this wine has excellent potential for aging. Elegant and fine, it is a wine that the château can be proud of.