2011 Branaire Ducru
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Tasting notes
2011 Branaire is another very solid St Julien full of juicy fruit and ripe tannin. It feels a little embryonic at the moment but appears to have all the constituent parts to be a terrific success. It doesn't appear to be quite in the same class as Gruaud Larose this year but very decent none the less.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeannie Cho Lee MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
This is a full bodied wine with attractive aromatics of fresh blackberries and red plums. The flavours are supported by generous tannins and fresh acidity. Fairly long finish. A serious wine that will age well ?wait at least 5+ years before opening. AsianPalate.com
From an assemblage of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.08% alcohol. Yields were about 10% lower in 2011 than what the estate produced in 2010. With mocha, black cherry, truffle, smoke and earthy aromas, this medium-bodied, soft-textured Branaire Ducru is dominated by cherries and finishes with a fresh, sweet chocolate and black raspberry finish. theWineCellarInsider.com
A very pretty red with flowers, blackberries, and blueberries. Full and silky with racy tannins and a long finish. Some hints of cocoa and pleasant bitterness. Well structured. jamessuckling.com
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.