In Bond Fine Wine. 2018 Château Branaire Ducru, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France. Fourth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (JS). Drinking window: 2023–2048. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
A well-situated Chateau that has reached new heights since the 2000 vintage and now produces one of the most elegant and well-priced St Juliens. Owner Patrick Maroteaux put the emphasis on retaining fruit purity and freshness (and so fermentation at low temperatures, low oak toast, etc). Enjoyable and drinkable when young but structured and balanced to age well. These days Branaire is a beautifully elegant wine - and of the 2009 Robert Parker was inspired to proclaim: "Haut couture becomes a wine!" Most successful vintages: 2005,2010,2016 & 2020.
James Molesworth (JM) — 94–97/100 · Wine Spectator, 28/03/2019
This is well-packed, with blueberry, a'a' and blackberry fruit flavors and licorice snap and fruitcake notes. Long and refined despite the copious fruit, showing polish and poise through the finish.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 96/100 · Vinous, 25/08/2021 · Drink 2026 - 2048
The 2018 Branaire-Ducru is every bit as captivating as it was en primeur. Ripe, silky tannins give the 2018 a striking air of sensuality that only grows as the wine sits in the glass. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint, spice and gravel inflections all open more over time. Even with all of its natural radiance, Branaire remains a model of grace. It is unquestionably one of t…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 92–94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/04/2019
The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Branaire-Ducru begins just a tad reduced with broody tar, rubber and fried herbs scents giving way to a fragrant core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry coulis with touches of smoked meats and tobacco. Full-bodied, firm and rugged in the mouth with brawny, muscular fruit and a sturdy frame of grainy tannins, it finishes long and savory.