| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
A classic Saint Julien château that produces wines of real St Julien class and structure. The 60 hectares of vines are planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Purchased by the late Patrick Maroteaux in 1988, it is now run by his son Francois-Xavier.
The 2024 is 72% Cabernet Sauvignnon, 22% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot. 55% new oak. The yield was 41.5 hl/ha and 62% of the crop made it into the first wine. ABV 13%.
The 2024 Branaire-Ducru offers up a pretty and precise bouquet of cassis, violets and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, supple and suave, with polished tannins and tangy acids, it's a fine-boned, delicate wine from Branaire that was harvested between 20 September and 9 October. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that attained 12.8% alcohol, and it's being raised in a touch less new oak than usual.
The 2024 Branaire Ducru was cropped at a respectable 41.5 hl/ha between September 20 and October 9. It has a delightful bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry and light violet scents percolating through with time. There's just a touch of iodine in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, pretty black fruit laced with cassis and touches of white pepper. There is an elegant framework on the finish so that this Saint-Julien slips down the throat with ease, as I am sure it will once in bottle. Whilst this does not reach the heights of the 2022, this is destined to be a very delicious Branaire Ducru. Drink: 2028-2048
Mid ruby colour. The nose here is herbal and fresh, full of thyme, cedar and red berry fruit. The palate is built on al dente tannins and crunchy fruit. This is a sinewy, floral wine in 2024, finishing with herbs and wood spice in equal measure.
Deep garnet-purple in color. Gives up bold notes of red currants and black raspberries, followed by hints of red roses, bay leaves, and underbrush with a hint of wet slate. The light to medium-bodied palate is silky and refreshing with vibrant red berry layers and a long peppery finish.
72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot.
The 2024 Branaire-Ducru is a super-classic Branaire. Medium in body and gracious, the 2024 is defined by its lifted aromatics and silky, polished tannins. The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is especially high in 2024, a sign that the fruit harvested on the later side benefited from better conditions, namely a lack of rain. The 2024 possesses lovely purity and exquisite balance. Floral top notes and a burst of red-toned fruit reappear on the finish to round things out in style. It will be especially fine if élevage softens the contours. This is a fine effort from proprietor Francois-Xavier Maroteau and longtime winemaker Jean-Dominique Videau. Tasted two times. Drink: 2032-2049
Brambly, savoury nose. Supple fruit and finely integrated tannins. Touch of oak but clean and fresh on the finish. Well made. 2030–2042
This crunchy Branaire-Ducru is full of fruit, flowers, citrus, stones and fine herbs. Medium-bodied on the palate, showing fresh berries and cherries. Al dente with a juicy, linear finish.
