| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2015 Branaire-Ducru has a refined bouquet with cranberry, redcurrant and a hint of tomato vine. This is understated compared to its peers but gains intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and nuanced, with fine tannins. Just the right amount of dryness matched with sapidity urges you back on the finish. The 2015 is a lovely Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners. 2026-2042
More open than many 2015 St.-Juliens at this stage in spite of the firm, dry tannin structure behind the bright cassis. The tannins need some integration, but with some patience (from 2021 or 2022), this will become a rather fine wine.
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2015 Branaire-Ducru reveals notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and fruitcake, with touches of Indian spices and fragrant soil. The medium-bodied palate is packed with juicy black fruits, supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and layered.
Tasted blind. Dark garnet. Correct but not glamorous or intense. Quite a sweet start then the tannins – not the ripest – come to the fore. A bit insipid on the end.
Drink 2023-2035
A classic Saint Julien Chateau that has pushed the quality level up considerably in recent vintages under owner Patrick Maroteaux and winemaker Jean-Dominique Videau. It produces wines of real St Julien class and structure. 60 hectares of vines planted with 70%Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep purple colour. This has a pure black cherry fruit nose with a touch of toasted oak. The palate is fleshy and primary with a hint of cedar and vanilla. The tannins are already well integrated into the fruit core to give a velvety and forward style that is fresh and floral on the long finish.
Bright quite light the bilberry and bramble on the nose is fresh and the start of the palate firm. There is mid richness good depth of flavour the cassis and black cherry is backed by dark chocolate. Brighter at the back the finish has freshness and length.
This was comparatively backward and closed when I tasted it, still showing a slight
angularity that should soften in barrel. The components are there: sturdy Cabernet-based
fruit, fresh acidity and good depth. Drink: 2022-32
With trademark Branaire élan and lush swathes of black and red fruit, this is a lovely, open wine on the nose and yet
the palate is leaner and more focussed and it sharpens up and lengthens in an impressive manner. It is rather cool and
refreshing on the finish which provides a dramatic counterpoint to the exotic scent.
The 2015 Branaire-Ducru has a clean, pure bouquet of black cherry, boysenberry and cedar aromas that soar from the glass, demonstrating (like other Saint-Julien 2015s) good energy and vivacity. The fresh, mineral-driven palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a crisp line of acidity. The slightly closed but very focused finish feels persistent and satisfying. Quality terroir and winemaking here, in a Branaire that appears to be improving as months go by. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
The 2015 Branaire-Ducru has a refined and elegant bouquet with more red than black fruit: wild strawberry, damson and a touch of pencil lead as it shifts up the gears with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite structured and firm with spicy black fruit laced with cedar. There is a touch of compactness toward the final third, completing what constitutes a very refined and satisfying Branaire-Ducru. Anticipated maturity: 2021 - 2045.
The 2015 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 18 September until 8 October, with two or three intervals in between. Matured in around 60% new oak (although as usual my barrel sample was from a new oak barrel), it has a high-toned, black cherry and cassis scented nose that perhaps feels a little constricted by the new wood in this sample, though not necessarily once in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, white pepper and a touch of sage, gritty tannin, foursquare and a little conservative. There is commendable weight on the finish, if not quite the precision compared to its peers. I noticed this gaining more cohesion in the glass, which bodes well for once the Branaire-Ducru is in bottle. I expect this to rest at the top of my banded score. Drink: 2020 - 2040.
This is very structured and tight with chewy polished tannins and blueberry, blackberry. Full and savory. Should develop beautifully.
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Branaire-Ducru has an earthy nose over a core of red and black currants with hints of tapenade, pencil shavings and sage. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough fruit and a lively finish. 2019 - 2031
Deep ruby/crimson. Correct without being stunning. A little more attenuated than one might have expected given the vintage. Just slightly stringy on the end.
Drink 2024-2042
Bright crimson. Slightly occluded nose. Could do with a little more precision and freshness but it's certainly absolutely typical. Hint of mint on the end.
Drink 2024-2036
Dark ruby. Sweetly gamey on the nose. A little light compared with some but very correct. Quite advanced. But just slightly austere in style. No one could object but I can't imagine many falling madly in love. Stones on the finish.
Drink 2024-2038
