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Branaire Ducru 2006

St Julien, Fourth Growth

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Tasting Notes

By no means comparable to their sensational 2005 or 2003, but still an outstanding wine, this singular St.-Julien always possesses notes of spring flowers, boysenberries, black currants, and graphite. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, classic Bordeaux displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as moderately high tannin. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades or more. (90+ points)

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2011-2032 01 February 2009

Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux continues to ratchet up the quality level at this impeccably run St.-Julien estate. The 2006 is similar to the 1996 Branaire, but with sweeter fruit. A deep ruby/purple hue precedes a perfumed nose of sweet boysenberries, black cherries, minerals, spring flowers, and a hint of pain grille in the background. Fresh, savory, medium to full-bodied flavors coat the palate with beautiful purity, no hard edges, ripe tannin, and intense fruit. This elegant, layered, impressive offering will be at its peak between 2012-2025.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, - 01 January 1900

Tasted at the UGC. A little muffled on the blackberry, cranberry and graphite scented nose that has a lot of vanillary new oak. The palate is full-bodied, layered with toasty black fruits laced with a touch of burnt toast. Supple tannins, very lithe and endearing, but like Beychevelle it needs more backbone. Still a fresh, pert finish with just a touch of greenness that detracts very little from the overall wine. Good potential. Tasted April 2007.

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 24 April 2007

Patrick Maroteaux includes the 2006 in his top vintages of recent years (along with the 2005): "More classic than 2003, better fruit purity than 2000, more mineral than 1996 and more power and density than 1989". Dark crimson. An expressive nose of pure cassis, graphite and lift, backed by good weight of crunchy black fruits. There is very good minerality and structure - the tannins and acidity are actually higher than in 2005. Lots of interest and vibrancy with a milk chocolate finish.

Score: 91 - 93

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2007

Very solid, with good fruit and a complete core of ripe tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium to full finish. I prefer this to the 2004. Very close to 92-94

Score: 89 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2007

Very dark crimson with a blackish streak. So glossy. Indistinct and not especially expressive nose. Oddly a bit loose and unfocussed on the palate despite the dramatic look. Bit like a cup of tepid tea. Dies a little on the end though a great deal of effort has clearly gone into it. Fruit a bit smashed. Neat but fades.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2013-2020 01 April 2007