Name: Chateau Branaire Ducru Saint Julien 2016 750ml
Brand: Chateau Branaire Ducru
SKU: 820450
Price: 79.9 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.1 (7 reviews)

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Winery

Chateau Branaire Ducru

Shop all from Chateau Branaire Ducru

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act â€“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.

Country

France

France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]

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Region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]

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Appellation

Saint Julien

Saint-Julien, a revered appellation in Bordeaux's Left Bank, epitomizes the finesse and elegance of red Bordeaux wines. Nestled between Pauillac and Margaux, Saint-Julien boasts a remarkable concentration of classified growths, showcasing wines that marry power with refinement. What makes Saint-Julien unique is its well-balanced terroir—gravelly soils, proximity to the Gironde estuary, and a temperate maritime climate. These factors nurture the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, resulting in wines celebrated for their structured tannins, expressive aromatics, and age-worthiness. Saint-Julien's notable châteaux, such as Léoville-Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou, exemplify the region's commitment to quality. The wines exhibit a harmonious blend of dark fruits, cedar, and subtle minerality. Exploring Saint-Julien unveils the essence of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition and innovation converge to produce wines of timeless allure and sophistication.

WS 96pts

Wine Spectator

#16 TOP 100, 2019. The core of this red is loaded with pure plum, blueberry and black currant fruit flavors. The polished structure is integrated, with alluring ganache, anise and sweet tobacco notes throughout, all in a polished and balanced frame. A very classy red that isn't shy about its power but pushes its purity to the fore. Best from 2024 through 2039. 15,000 cases made.

JS 95pts

James Suckling

The best vintage of this wine since 2009! Effusive, fresh redcurrant and cassis aromas give this St.-Julien terrific drive and energy, the elegant, dry tannins beautifully married to the medium body, right through the long, agile finish. Drink or hold.

WE 95pts

Wine Enthusiast

The estate, at the southern end of Saint-Julien, has produced a wine that is both structured and stylish. This bold, ripe wine shows opulent black fruits and generous tannins. Juicy and structured, it has good aging potential. Drink from 2025. (Cellar Selection)

DC 95pts

Decanter

Florality and black fruits on the nose, really very aromatic and expressive. Generous and giving, this is definitely more plush and supple than the 2015, wide open and expansive, totally charming from the off, still with massive structure, clear concentration and such plush tannins that give the mouthful, but it's so wide and enveloping without being too much. Sweet and joyful, the saltiness is there, reminding you of the terroir, but just so charming, still with sticky liquorice too - you want to drink this now, but know you shouldn't. There is richness but also definition. I love the gentle muscles, the frame and overall taste, but this still needs more time so be patient.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet 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.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

The 2016 Branaire-Ducru has a rather low-key, smudged bouquet featuring ample red fruit, yet missing the terroir expression of some of its peers; I would like more “oomph.” The palate is well balanced, quite graceful and poised, delivering lightly spiced black fruit, touches of pencil lead and a nicely detailed if not powerful finish. More approachable than its peers, yet noble. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

JD 92pts

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2016 Château Branaire-Ducru checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. This medium to full-bodied, downright pretty Saint-Julien has a complex, layered style in its mulberries, blackberries, saddle leather, and forest floor aromatics, with hints of graphite developing with time in the glass. Possessing terrific tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish, I’d certainly be happy to have bottles of this in the cellar. Give it a few years and it promises to shine for 20-25 years.