Once part of the Beychevelle estate, Chateau Branaire Ducru can be documented all the way back to 1680. Since a family enterprise acquired it in 1988 and Patrick Maroteaux manages the estate, considerable improvements to the property have brought the wine a remarkable regularity of quality. Covering approximately 60 hectares in the commune of St. Julien, the average age of the vine is 35 years. Since the 2000 vintage, Branaire Ducru has become of the top St. Julien wines. It is also one of the better values for high quality Bordeaux.

Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc

JS 97

WS 94

JR 16.5

WINE NOTES

"A beautiful Saint-Julien, the 2018 Château Branaire-Ducru reveals a deep purple color as well as ample, earthy cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with sous bois, earth, lead pencil, and cedar. With that classic Saint-Julien pure fruit, sumptuous aromas and flavors, sweet yet present tannins, and a solid spine of acidity, it's going to need 5-7 years to hit maturity yet should keep for 20-25 years or more. I don't think it's going to match the blockbuster 2009 (it's more in the pretty, elegant style of the 2016), but it's a gorgeous, elegant wine you will love to have in the cellar." Jeb Dunnuck