2006 Ch Branaire Ducru 4ème Cru St Julien

Tasting Notes

Goedhuis, May 2007, Score: 90-92+

Powerful and moderately backwards, the 2006 Branaire reveals a deep core of dark berry fruit that is further fleshed out with leather and spice. Its sleek streak of minerality adds additional structure and freshness. Despite, its introverted character, it is pretty and attractive and should make a fascinating wine in several years to come.

Robert Parker, May 2007, Score: 92-94

Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux continues to ratchet up the quality level at this impeccably run St.-Julien estate. The 2006 is similar to the 1996 Branaire, but with sweeter fruit. A deep ruby/purple hue precedes a perfumed nose of sweet boysenberries, black cherries, minerals, spring flowers, and a hint of pain grille in the background. Fresh, savory, medium to full-bodied flavors coat the palate with beautiful purity, no hard edges, ripe tannin, and intense fruit. This elegant, layered, impressive offering will be at its peak between 2012-2025.

Robert Parker, February 2009, Score: 90+

By no means comparable to their sensational 2005 or 2003, but still an outstanding wine, this singular St.-Julien always possesses notes of spring flowers, boysenberries, black currants, and graphite. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, classic Bordeaux displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as moderately high tannin. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades or more. Drink: 2011 - 2032

Jancis Robinson, May 2007, Score: 16

Very dark crimson with a blackish streak. So glossy. Indistinct and not especially expressive nose. Oddly a bit loose and unfocussed on the palate despite the dramatic look. Bit like a cup of tepid tea. Dies a little on the end though a great deal of effort has clearly gone into it. Fruit a bit smashed. Neat but fades.

St Julien

St Julien is like the middle child of the Médoc - not as assertive as Pauillac or as coquettish as Margaux. It lies firmly between the two more outspoken communes and as a result produces a blend of them both. Its wines have often been sought out by aficionados for their balance and consistency, particularly in the UK. Yet due to its middle child nature, it can occasionally be overlooked globally and as a result underrated by those markets outside the UK. Despite the fact that it has no first growths, it has several second growths including Léoville Las Cases, Léoville Barton, Léoville Poyferré and Ducru Beaucaillou as well as the celebrated châteaux such as Talbot and Beychevelle.

Château Branaire Ducru

Across the road from Beychevelle lies Branaire Ducru. Until 1988, the entire production was sold in France through the Nicolas chain of wine shops. A change in ownership fortunately also changed that policy and Branaire Ducru now takes its rightful place on the international marketplace. Like most Médoc wines, the core of the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and intensive work in the vineyard ensures optimum ripeness. The château aims for a balance of elegance and complexity - a trend which has been apparent since 1989, the vintage after its current owner, Patrick Maroteaux, purchased the château.

Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Cabernet Franc

One of the most widely-found blends used throughout the Bordeaux region - including such legendary wines as Chateaux Haut-Brion, Cos d'Estournel, Ducru Beaucaillou and Leoville-Barton. At it's best this potentially perfect combination balances depth of flavour, ripe richness and taut tannic structure and length. It also produces some of the finest red wines from the Napa Valley in California and Stellenbosch in South Africa.