Château Branaire Ducru

5/1/2018 Vinous VINOUS (NEAL MARTIN) : 91-93 / 100 The 2017 Branaire Ducru was picked 13 September until 4 October over a three-week period, cropped at 39.6hl/ha. The alcohol here is 13.2°. The wine is aged in 60% new oak, which is how the sample was made. It has a harmonious bouquet with brambly black fruit, melted tar and tobacco scents, not powerful but precise. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, fine tannin, just a subtle savory note developing and merging nicely with the black fruit, hints of white pepper and cedar towards the poised finish that is quintessential Saint-Julien. There is an essence of drinkability about this Branaire-Ducru and I can imagine this being approachable after three to four years. This is a very fine Branaire-Ducru. 4/27/2018 Wine Advocate WINE ADVOCATE (LISA PERROTTI-BROWN) : 88-90 / 100 The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Branaire-Ducru gives up notes of baked black berries, red cherries and mulberries with touches of potpourri and smoked meats. Medium-bodied with a lively line lifting the good concentration of red and black fruits, it has a chewy frame and grippy finish. 4/25/2018 Decanter.com DECANTER.COM (JANE ANSON) : 89 / 100 4/17/2018 Quarin JEAN-MARC QUARIN (JEAN-MARC QUARIN) : 17 / 20 4/17/2018 Wine Enthusiast WINE ENTHUSIAST (ROGER VOSS) : 91-93 / 100 Crisp fruit and intense acidity are the hallmarks of this bright wine. Its tannins are a backdrop to the nervy fruit character and vein of minerality and refreshing acidity. Drink from 2023. 4/6/2018 Jamessuckling.com JAMESSUCKLING.COM (JAMES SUCKLING) : 92-93 / 100 This is very tight and focused with a precise depth of blackberry and blueberry fruit. Full body, melted tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Shows a compacted style. 4/4/2018 Wine Spectator WINE SPECTATOR (JAMES MOLESWORTH) : 90-93 / 100 The plum and cherry paste flavors show good energy, with floral lift and sleek graphite accents adding to the sense of range and definition. Well done.—J.M.