2001 CH BRANAIRE DUCRU 4ÈME CRU ST JULIEN - 12x75cl

Tasting Notes

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  Goedhuis, April 2002

  This is one of the best St Juliens and clearly this famous chateau is very much back on song. Savoury,with lots of currant flavours, its powerful structure is beautifully balanced. Furthermore it is exceptional value. One of our and Robert Parker's wines of the vintage.

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  Robert Parker, June 2004,
  Score: 91

  This is a deep red/purple-colored, stylish, sexy concoction of raspberries, graphite, smoke, minerals, and flowers. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless St.-Julien displaying velvety tannin, medium body, and sweet, concentrated fruit in a stylish, well-constructed, elegant style. The tannin is unobtrusive and well-integrated. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.

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  Robert Parker, April 2002,
  Score: 89-91

  Complex, sweet, blueberry, mineral, and floral aromas set this St.-Julien apart from its peers. It is elegant and medium-bodied, with good underlying acidity, sweet fruit on the attack, ripe tannin, and abundant freshness as well as delineation. It will be at its finest between 2005-2016.

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  James Suckling, March 2002,
  Score: 92-94

  Château Branaire-Ducru St.-Julien 2001 92-94 Beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currants, with hints of violets. Full-bodied, with a solid core of smooth tannins and a long, caressing finish. A seductive wine. Not as obvious as the 2000, but seriously good. -- J.S.

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  Decanter, March 2002

  Very good colour and very good intensity of fruit, really the opposite of Beychevelle, attractive ripeness and very well balanced cassis fruit and elegant structure. A lovely, elegant wine for the medium term.

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Producer

Château Branaire Ducru

Across the road from Beychevelle lies Château 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. Château Branaire Ducru 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.