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Branaire Ducru 2008

St Julien, Fourth Growth

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Tasting Notes

Bright and not so blue now. Well-mannered nose that is lighter than those of the 2009 and 2010. Minerals and neatness with lovely smoothness on the end. Not that concentrated but a lovely, well-balanced wine for medium-term drinking.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2016-2025 12 May 2011

Quite brutal and vegetal on the nose. Great density and extreme youth. Just a hint of oak. Thick and pretty earthbound at the moment with marked acidity.

Score: 16 - 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2014-2028 01 April 2009

A stunning success for the vintage, this enticing St.-Julien reveals notes of lead pencil shavings, sweet raspberries and black currants and a subtle touch of oak. Elegant, restrained yet authoritative and impressively intense, it is a medium to full-bodied, lightly tannic effort will be even better with 1-2 years of bottle age and will keep for 15-20 years.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2032 03 May 2011

Sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of acacia flowers and crushed rocks always provide Branaire with a distinctive perfume. In the mouth, there is impressive purity, a powerful yet elegant style, noticeable but sweet tannin, and nicely integrated acidity. The wood component is not apparent given the density and richness of the fruit. The 2008 should come close to rivaling the 2005, 2003, and 2000. Consume it over the next 20+ years.

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009 - 2029 30 April 2009

Currants and blackberries, with hints of black licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins and lots of pretty fruit. Love the nose. Tight and structured, but refined.

Score: 89 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2009

Like the Beychevelle ‘08, this is tight on the nose, a touch of dried leaves and tobacco. Quite light compared to other vintages. The palate has a sharp, slightly angular entry, firm tannins; this needs to mellow out during élevage. A little black pepper, sharp acidity, good weight on the tannic finish. Possibly the dark horse as it should improve.

Score: 88 - 90

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2009