Branaire Ducru 2018

The 2018 vintage of Chateau Branaire Ducru is a true gem, showcasing the estate's commitment to producing outstanding wines. The wine is carefully crafted through traditional winemaking techniques, including hand-harvesting, gentle fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by additional aging in bottle. On the nose, Chateau Branaire Ducru 2018 reveals an enticing bouquet of blackcurrants, blackberries, and ripe plums, accompanied by subtle hints of cedar, tobacco, and spices, reflecting the wine's well-integrated oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a rich and velvety texture, displaying layers of dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of graphite, leather, and earthiness. The wine's impeccable balance and silky tannins make for a harmonious and long-lasting finish, leaving a lasting impression. Whether you enjoy it now or cellar it for future enjoyment, this wine represents the epitome of the Bordeaux winemaking tradition, embodying the finest qualities of a Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe.

Robert Parker - 93 Points

"The 2018 Branaire-Ducru has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and an upfront, expressive nose of baked black plums, boysenberries and Morello cherries with an undercurrent of dried mint, spice box and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs a very pleasant fruit wallop, featuring juicy black fruits and a firm, grainy frame, finishing long with lovely purity."

Antonio Galloni - 93 Points

"The 2018 Branaire-Ducru was picked from September 19 until October 10 at 53hl/ha and is currently being aged in 60% new oak. It has retained the sophisticated bouquet that I found last year, featuring beautifully defined blackberry and cedar and hints of iris flower and rose petals. The palate is well-defined with good density and backbone, something that you could argue was missing from Branaire-Ducru in the 1990s and early 2000s. It gently fans out on the finish but never wants to create too much of a commotion – that’s not its style. This indicates a property that is finding a new lease on life. Excellent."