Chāteau Branaire-Ducru - St.-Julien 2016 (750ml)

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Price: $91.99

6+ Price: $90.99 / btl

12+ Price: $89.99 /btl

Producer	Chāteau Branaire-Ducru
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux
Subregion	St.-Julien
Varietal	Bordeaux Blend
Vintage	2016
Sku	101995
Size	750ml
ABV	13.50%

Chāteau Branaire-Ducru Description

Chateau Branaire-Ducru was originally a part of Chateau Beychevelle, but in the 17th century it split off from that estate. The name “Branaire-Ducru” is derived from Jean Baptiste Braneyre and Gustave Ducru, former owners of the estate. On the label there are 4 crowns which stand for the last 4 members of the Duluc family to have owned the estate–a marquis, a viscount, a count, and a countess. Château Branaire-Ducru is a member of the Bordeaux Union of Grands Crus, of Médocʼs Council of Crus Classés and of the Bordeaux Wine Academy. It was awarded 4th growth classification in 1855.

Grape Varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit-Verdot

Vinification: Fermentation takes place in a modern, well-equipped cellar. The must and juice is fed into the cellar by gravity rather than pump to begin its fermentation process in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of about 26-28 °C. Maceration lasts about 3 weeks, a period of time determined by tastings and adapted to each tank.

Aging: In oak barrels for 16-20 months with 60-65% new oak. The wood for the barrels is selected in various French forests according to their flavor and tannins. Traditional racking without pumping over.

The nose, which is already very expressive, shows a nice complexity of ripe fruit, well balanced by fresher notes. The intensity of the bouquet develops with aeration and the oak is already well integrated. The first impression on the palate is one of silky roundness with impressive volume, overlaying extremely fine tannins. The wine develops slowly and gradually on the palate, following its logical path to a voluptuous mid-palate with beautiful density: always refined – never overpowering. The aromatic complexity, and delicious acidity are omni-present with a lovelylong-lasting fruit finish ensuring freshness and lift. The house style of Branaire-Ducru is very evident in the 2018 vintage: expressive fruit, great finesse and balance, wonderful freshness, but always with exceptional depth, density and refinement.

Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc

Critical Acclaim

JS97
James Suckling

Very attractive aromas of currants, tile and sandalwood with black and red currants. It’s full-bodied with a tight, dense center-palate that remains closed in and tight. Yet there is underlying seriousness and length to this. Perhaps the greatest Branaire-Ducru ever made. Try after 2026.

V96
Vinous
The 2018 Branaire-Ducru is fabulous. Bright, lifted and impeccably precise, the 2018 is one of the best recent Branaires I can remember tasting. The 2018 is distinguished by its vertical lift, striking aromatic intensity and exceptional balance. Lavender, rose petal, gravel, mint and sweet red/purplish berry fruit are all given an extra kick of textural richness. More than anything else, I was blown away by the wine's density and precision. The 2018 is dazzling. There's not much else to say. Well, except the obvious question, which is why is Branaire not at this level every year? The 2018 is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.
Barrel Sample: 93-96
WE95
Wine Enthusiast

A deceptively smooth texture and black fruits hide a wine that has great density and richness. Firm tannins lie beneath the ripeness. They will allow this wine to age, giving future concentration and depth. Drink the wine from 2027. Multiple U.S. importers. Cellar Selection

WS94
Wine Spectator
Pure and driven, with expressive cassis and plum puree aromas and flavors carried by a graphite edge and backed with applewood, licorice root and tobacco notes. Lovely energy throughout. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2037.
JD94
Jeb Dunnuck

A beautiful Saint-Julien, the 2018 Château Branaire-Ducru reveals a deep purple color as well as ample, earthy cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with sous bois, earth, lead pencil, and cedar. With that classic Saint-Julien pure fruit, sumptuous aromas and flavors, sweet yet present tannins, and a solid spine of acidity, it's going to need 5-7 years to hit maturity yet should keep for 20-25 years or more. I don't think it's going to match the blockbuster 2009 (it's more in the pretty, elegant style of the 2016), but it's a gorgeous, elegant wine you will love to have in the cellar.

RP93
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.

D92
Decanter

A little subdued, this has firm tannic hold, clear raspberry, blackberry and cassis fruits, along with hawthorn, brambles and touches of black pepper. Young and will go the distance, though lacks a little magic. Drinking Window 2026 - 2040

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