Wine Chateau Branaire-Ducru A.C. Saint-Julien

Chateau Branaire-Ducru is a classification history dating back to 1855. This is the fourth tier of this classification, and of course we can expect an outstanding wine, which was created from a coupage of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (23%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The wine was aged 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new barrel).

Immediately striking is the deep red color with lots of garnet highlights. Aromas are dominated by dark fruits - dried plum, blueberry, some herbs and tobacco. On the palate, a well-structured texture, smooth tannins and a long finish.

We can pair the wine with dishes of aged beef, game or long-matured cheeses. It has aging potential (up to 2030), but can also be tasted now.

Wine reviews of Chateau Branaire-Ducru A.C. Saint-Julien 2010

"Branaire-Ducru 2010's deep garnet color is starting to change a bit. Balsamic notes, roasted nuts and dried plum, give way to dusty earth, fried herbs and dried mulberry. The full palate has plenty of dried berries with good texture and notes of tea on the finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate March 2020

Château Branaire-Ducru Winery

Château Branaire-Ducru is an estate in the Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, ranked fourth in the 1855 Medoc. Saint-Julien is the smallest of the Medoc municipalities comprising the Big Four. Although there is no First Growths chateau in its area, it is considered the most consistent of the major municipalities, with many producers who create impressive wines year after year. The best wines have a unique character - combining the elegance and sophistication of Margaux with the strength and substance of Pauillac.

The estate was founded in 1680 by Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, who saw the potential of the soils of the Bordeaux commune of Saint-Julien and the ability of the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal to flourish. Before his death, he gave the estate his name, which was later changed to the current spelling Branaire. Today, the château covers 50 hectares and is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with some vines nearly 90 years old.

Since 1988, Branaire-Ducru has been owned by Patrick Maroteaux, a former banker who fell in love with the Saint-Julien appellation and Branaire-Ducru itself. Under his ownership, 10 hectares were added to the property, and the winery and vineyards underwent complete modernization and renovation.

The Branaire-Ducru wines are pure in terms of fruit, and their structure and integration allow for long maturation. Château Branaire-Ducru is a huge estate, producing about 300,000 bottles a year. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, with the addition of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wines spend an average of 18 months in oak barrel and rest in cellars. These are wines that should be opened after 10 years of aging in bottle and have one of the highest percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon among wines from Saint-Julien.

Awards: Chateau Branaire-Ducru A.C. Saint-Julien 2010

• Robert Parker- 94/100
• James Suckling- 94/100
• Jancis Robinson- 17/20
• Wine Spectator- 94/100