Classified as a fourth growth in 1855, Château Branaire-Ducru is located in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Médoc region of Bordeaux.  There are just 20 producers in St-Julien, with 11 classified châteaux and 88% classified vines.  It’s a special place - within five minutes’ walking distance from Branaire Ducru are second growths Ducru-Beaucaillou, Léoville- Barton and Gruaud-Larose, third growth Langoa-Barton and fourth growths Beychevelle and Gloria.  In recent years the property has produced some of the most elegant, supple and well-balanced bottlings in the appellation – wines that are pure and classic.  

The grape mix is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.  Some of the vines are over 100 years old with the average age being around 40. Branaire-Ducru has stayed with a more traditional style than some of its neighbors and this honoring of tradition extends to its pricing as well; relatively speaking it is a value among classified estates. The intention of the house is to produce wine more for drinking, less for investing.  As a byproduct of this goal Branaire Ducru can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting (say, 2-3 hours for younger vintages), which will soften the wine and open its perfume.

The 2015 vintage is a little fuller and bigger than is typical but it is still old-world styled and classically structured with lots of dark fruit supported by strong tannins, notes of cedar, tobacco and mint, and a vibrant, persistent finish.  The 2010 is aromatic and spicy and, though still young, is very approachable now.

Centuries ago, Branaire Ducru was part of the Chateau Beychevelle estate but was sold off to pay debts to the crown.  They share the same terroir and if you have any Bechevelle in your cellar then this would be an excellent bottle to have on hand for a comparative tasting.


Chateau Branaire-Ducru 2015
Retail Price: $69.99
Sale Price: $63.97

95 points Vinous – “The 2015 Branaire Ducru is a gorgeous, totally sexy wine. Rose petal, lavender, mint, sweet red berry and gently spiced notes give the wine much of its gracious, lilting personality. Precise and nuanced to the core, the 2015 Branaire is all class. It's easy to overlook Brainaire in the context of Saint-Julien, where most of the other important wines are much more powerful. Branaire always speaks with a hushed, discreet voice. The 2015 is a wine of pure and total sensual pleasure. In 2015, the blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. Don't miss it. Tasted two times. “

95 points Wine Enthusiast – “This family-owned estate has produced a structured and dark wine with great concentration balanced by acidity and pure, creamy fruit. It is a wine with a good future. The aftertaste leaves juicy acidity and firm tannins.”

94 points Wine Spectator – “This pumps lush fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture notes along, pushed by a rather polished but ample structure. Lots of anise and violet details cascade in on the finish, giving this extra aromatic dimension. Best from 2020 through 2038.”


Chateau Branaire-Ducru 2010
Retail Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $89.97

95 points Wine Enthusiast –  “This rich, full wine shows the chateau to be at the top of its form. It’s finely balanced, pushing both its fruit and acidity, with the tannins taking the supporting role. With its power leashed, this shows the stylish side of Saint-Julien, although it will certainly age for many years.”

94 points James Suckling – “A layered young red with lots of black olives and berries on the nose. Full body, with velvety and chewy tannins. It all comes together at the end with a lovely sweet fruit. Try after 2017.  (2/2013)

Jancis Robinson – “Cedary, meaty nose but opens up to more fragrant cassis. Powerful but remarkably fluid and fresh on the palate. Lighter than some at this stage but harmonious. Elegant, cool finish. 17.5/20 points. (11/2012)


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