2008 Château Branaire-Ducru
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Tasting notes
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Sweet, succulent nose. Lots of freshness. Lots of vigour and focus though very much in the dry rather than sweet spectrum on the palate. Correct rather than fun. (JR)
Vegetal aromas on the nose, black cherry and some black olive too. Savoury and serious but there's enough primary fruit to keep this drinkable and user-friendly. (RH)
The 2008 Branaire Ducru has a clean and fresh bouquet with mulberry, blackcurrant pastilles, and subtle hints of eucalyptus that are all detailed and focused, if missing the complexity of more recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with thickset tannin, quite dense black fruit with a touch of cassis. I like the atypical density of this 2008 although I would like more panache and personality to shine through. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
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.