2020 Château Branaire-Ducru
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Tasting notes
The nose is instantly quite spicy – with notes of cracked pepper, cloves, chai spice and a vanilla sweetness overlaying the ripe bramble fruit. In general, this is a bit more restrained than some of its neighbours, not as powerful as some Saint-Juliens in 2020, yet it’s long, elegant and juicy. The tannins are very fine, building on the palate to a very slightly drying finish at this stage. The oak stands out a little but will integrate with time.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Mid to dark crimson. Fragrant, though in a more minor key than subsequent vintages. Quite rich fruit with tannin notable though not too obtrusive. Cuts off a little on the end. (JR)
The 2020 Branaire Ducru was opened at the château to compare against the 2021. It has a superb bouquet—much more expressive than the 2021—armed with raspberry, mint and blackberry scents like before, unerring in terms of its purity and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Perhaps it’s just closing down a little compared to a few months ago, but it is very persistent on a finish that demonstrates fine backbone. There is great potential here, indicative of a Saint-Julien that has upped its game in recent years.
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Ripe yet fragrant. Finely dry, pretty tannic. Tight, fresh but not very generous. Straightforward. (JH)
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.