Château BRANAIRE-DUCRU
4ème grand cru classé
- 2023
- Saint-Julien
Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
- To keep or to drink :
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée :
- 2035-2050
From the same producer
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Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
The 2023 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2026): 93/100 “The 2023 Branaire Ducru was bottled at the end of June. It has a more generous bouquet than anticipated, black plum and raspberry fruit laced with cinnamon and graphite scents, typically Saint-Julien. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a bright, quite high-toned entry with top notes of blue fruit, again, that graphite edge, plus a little tarriness toward the nicely structured finish. Classic claret through and through, which is just what you want from Branaire Ducru, this will drink sooner than the previous vintage.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2030-2044
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Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2027-2042
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Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 95/100 “This is a very pretty classic, well designed and very refined. Straightforward and precise on the palate, supported by fresh fruit, with good length and style. A fine affair that will evolve well, just like its predecessors, the lovely 2019 and 2018, also highly recommendable.”
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2024): 93/100 “The 2020 Branaire Ducru has an open, more forward bouquet than its peers—just a touch of mint infusing the red berry fruit, later developing hints of India ink and pressed violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, sappy tannins. This doesn't quite posess the panache and complexity of its peers. It's old school in style with a firm backbone. Despite a little austerity toward the finish, this is a Saint-Julien that brims with charm and classicism.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2044
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Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
Rated 18,5 en 2016 by la Revue du Vin de France.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2038
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Since its purchase by Mr. Maroteaux, Branaire-Ducru has made rapid progress, as did the construction of the new winery, which allows it to work only by gravity, without a pump that could "chew" the wines. Branaire-Ducru is the leader of the appellation's 3-4ème crus classés (Lagrange, Talbot, Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre) and certainly the finest of them.
The 2014 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (March 2017): 94/100 “Beautiful, dark, intense color. Very aromatic nose, with fresh, ripe fruit. Slender and suave on the palate from the outset, tasty and delicately fatty in the middle. It evolves with great taste towards great length, without any tannic angle. Very good.”
Vinous (N.Martin - February 2024): 91/100 “The 2014 Branaire-Ducru has a ‘calmer’ bouquet than its peers, a little muted at first, though well-defined with mainly black tertiary fruits mixed with tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2035
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%