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SKU 1014321
$734.88/case
$61.24/bottle
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Classic Saint-Julien with a layer of minerals over the fruit, showing clear aromas of cassis and citrus plus a touch of fine, roasted spices. A hint of graphite and tobacco. Medium-bodied, taut and precise, with intensity and a long, integrated finish. This is more about elegance than power and density. A blend of 61% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5.5% cabernet franc and 3.5% petit verdot. Drinkable now but better from 2027.
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 – the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.
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 […]
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 […]
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.
JS95pts
James Suckling
Classic Saint-Julien with a layer of minerals over the fruit, showing clear aromas of cassis and citrus plus a touch of fine, roasted spices. A hint of graphite and tobacco. Medium-bodied, taut and precise, with intensity and a long, integrated finish. This is more about elegance than power and density. A blend of 61% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5.5% cabernet franc and 3.5% petit verdot. Drinkable now but better from 2027.
DC95pts
Decanter
Really fragrant on the nose; graphite and liquorice, dark blackcurrant and bramble fruit elements with highly-charged floral aromatics. Smells rich and ripe but clean also. Precise and finessed, this has a lovely energy straight away, great movement and motion from start to finish. Juicy and supple, crunchy, really lovely acidity, not too sharp or too tart with fine tannins that give such a lovely frame. Not dense at all - this is streamlined but is given some weight by the ripe fruit and some texture by the soft stoniness. Pretty and stylish and still packing some power - has a tiny air of opulence about it probably because they’ve used all four grapes with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc adding complexity. It has a bit more warmth, and a touch of sweetness, than some others which are more straight. I like this a lot, still with freshness and cool undertones. Hints of cedar and spiced mint on the finish with some graphite and wet stone too. 18 months ageing, 60% new oak. 13% press wine. First vintage in the new, gravity-fed cellar. 53% grand vin production. 3.63pH. 51hl/ha yield. 3.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
The 2023 Branaire-Ducru is a real success, revealing aromas of dark berries, plums, licorice and lead pencil, subtly accented by spice. Medium- to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it is built around a vibrant, finely delineated core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed and sapid finish.
WS94pts
Wine Spectator
This lets aromatically expressive notes of apple wood, plum paste and black licorice splash through, with a brambly feel along the edges and cast iron running underneath, providing a solid frame. Shows ample energy and textbook AOC character. For the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040.
JD94pts
Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, and 3.5% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 60% new French oak, the 2023 Château Branaire-Ducru offers terrific aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, lots of leafy herbs, violets, and spicy wood on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has good concentration, ripe, polished tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. Balanced and complex, with outstanding length, it's very much in the style of this classic, ripe, more medium-bodied vintage. It will benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and have 25 years of overall longevity. Drink 2028-2051.
TWI94pts
The Wine Independent
92-94 2023 Branaire-Ducru has a rounded, fine and fruity nose. The taste is medium bodied and pleasant with deep notes of fruit and cassis and a fine and precise layer of tannins to support it. It ends with a fresh and long aftertaste and is a classic example of the wines this chateau is producing. Normally, Branaire will benefit from some aging as the wines seem to gain strength and stamina over time.
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The 2023 Branaire-Ducru is a very pretty, delicate wine. Floral and gracious, the 2023 is an understated, classy Saint-Julien. It offers lovely understated depth and fine overall balance. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, mint, blood orange, cinnamon and white pepper all grace this soft, open-knit Branaire. It will be interesting to see if this gains weight with time in bottle. Today, my impression is that yields of 53 hectoliters per hectare, on the high side, are especially marked.
