1998 Branaire Ducru
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Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
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The 1998 Branaire Ducru, a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 40% Merlot with 12.95° alcohol. It has a clear dark ruby colour. The bouquet demanded some encouragement from the glass, eventually revealing attractive brambly red berry fruit mingling with sandalwood, a touch of mint and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, crisp red fruit tinged with a drop of balsamic, cedar and subtle pencil lead notes towards the composed and quite sustained finish. This is ageing nicely in bottle, perfect to drink now but it will offer another decade’s worth of pleasure. Tasted at the château.
A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by an attractive bouquet of lead pencil, graphite, black currants, raspberries, and spice. Medium-bodied, with beautifully knit flavors revealing excellent definition, this subtle, restrained yet persuasive 1998 displays a distinctive style. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.
Some earthy, spicy, and lightly raisiny aromas follow through to a medium body, with a good core of fruit and a silky finish. Enjoy.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 2009.
About the producer
This Fourth Growth estate, just a stone’s throw from the wide expanse of the Gironde estuary, has been revitalised under the stewardship of former banker and businessman Patrick Maroteaux, who purchased the property in 1988.