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A true classic St Julien, this is a brilliant Branaire – expressive, sleek, muscular and focused. All the hallmark signatures of this terroir it gives pencil-shavings, cassis fruit, cigar tobacco, violets and cocoa dusted black cherries. There is freshness and tension running through the wine, a density of structure yet a really finessed delivery on the palate. The tannins are supple and clothed in ripe fleshy bramble fruit, with a wonderful, saline, kelp accent on the finish. Drink this today, drink this tomorrow, drink this for many years to come!
Juicy, savoury nose. Fresh and fine-boned. Could only be bordeaux – tant mieux! Silky texture with some energy.
Franc picked from 28 September until 19 October at 50 hectoliters per hectare, one of the longest harvest periods at the estate. The nose is quite intense with black fruit infused with pencil shaving and a touch of tobacco, unashamedly classic in style, a little distant compared to some other Saint Juliens but undeniably well defined and full of character. The palate is structured and masculine, exerting a firm grip in the mouth, spicier than its peers with cracked black pepper complementing the black fruit, tobacco and smoke towards the structured finish. There is great length here, very persistent in the mouth, a little "rougher" in texture than others, but that will be smoothed out during élevage and in bottle. Give this Branaire-Ducru five or six years in bottle because it has great potential, one of the best produced at the estate in recent years. (NB This sample was taken from a new barrel, though the final blend will be 60%.)
This is clearly the best wine I have tasted from Branaire-Ducru. Exquisite depth and richness are on offer, yet this is always framed and focused. Layers of fruit and tannins. So deep and long. Incredible quality.
Critic score 93.25/100
Maturity Young 2027 - 2045
Prices shown in bond
Critic score 93/100
Maturity Young 2025 - 2050
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