2022 Chateau Branaire Ducru Saint-Julien

Château Branaire-Ducru, a distinguished Fourth Growth estate from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is renowned for producing wines that epitomize the elegance and complexity of the Saint-Julien appellation. The 2022 vintage is a testament to this legacy, offering a harmonious blend of 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.5% Petit Verdot.

In the glass, this wine reveals an aromatic profile characteristic of Saint-Julien, with notes of mulled boysenberry and blackberry, complemented by dried violet, iris, and lively licorice snap nuances. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, showcasing a layered and multidimensional structure framed by supple tannins. The finish is succulent and perfumed, leaving a lasting impression of finesse and depth.

This 2022 offering from Château Branaire-Ducru not only reflects the estate's commitment to quality but also highlights the unique terroir of Saint-Julien, making it a noteworthy addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Aging: 16 to 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels, enhancing structure and refinement.

The 2022 Château Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien reveals an aromatic bouquet of mulled boysenberry, blackberry, and dried violet, intertwined with delicate iris and licorice snap nuances. The medium to full-bodied palate is layered and multidimensional, with supple tannins providing structure and finesse. The wine displays a succulent, perfumed finish, leaving an impression of depth, elegance, and balance.

One of the standouts of the vintage that impressed equally on three different occasions. Fragrant and expressive on the nose, lovely scents and dark fruits. Smooth and crisp, silky but concentrated, such precision and detail straight away with succulent and juicy acidity. There’s concentration no doubt; it’s ripe and intense, with dark perfumed blackcurrants and black cherries giving a serious backbone and tension to the wine, while the minty, stony freshness carries the flavor and gives the energy and definition. Excellently weighted on the palate, with structure and a mouthwatering sensation that comes in once the weight settles. So well constructed with a beautiful texture and overall integration of all the elements. Exceptional quality and drinkability on offer with a delicious salty, graphite, and flint finish that puts you at the estate. Overlook this at your peril. 2.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.65pH. Harvest 12 - 24 September. 60% grand vin production. A yield of 34hl/ha. Tasted three times. This vintage was the first to be made 100% in the new cellar with double the number of vats than were available in 2020 for more precise fermentations. HVE3 certified. Harvest 12 September - 24 September. ~97 Decanter

The fine and intense tannins are very impressive because they fold beautifully into the wine, with blackcurrants, black cherries, hints of chocolate and hazelnuts. It's full-bodied with tight and focused fruit and a long and classy finish. Fantastic definition to this. Fresh. 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.5% Petit Verdot. ~96-97 JS

The 2022 Branaire Ducru was harvested from 12-24 September at 34.5 hl/ha, the blend representative of their vineyard plantings. This feels refined and focused on the nose with plush red berry fruit, dried rose petals, and orange rind scents. Classic Branaire. The palate is fresh on the entry with pliant tannins. It's very well structured to the degree that it conveys a sense of symmetry. Lightly spiced toward the finish with notes of graphite lingering on the aftertaste, this represents an excellent Branaire Ducru that will age over many years and will surely appeal to those seeking more classical Saint-Julien. Tasted three times and was more impressive each time. Branaire-Ducru continues its upward trajectory under proprietor Francois-Xavier Maroteaux. 14.3% alcohol. ~95-97 NM-VM

This is an estate that can be so understated as to almost miss its complexity, but this vintage, with its excess and exuberance, does a wonderful job of drawing it out. The concentration is impressive, but there you'll also find a softness and balance that is juicy and enticing. Great job Branaire Ducru. Francois Xavier Maroteaux, owner. I honestly think this is the best example of this château that I have ever tasted En Primeur. ~96 Jane Anson

An absolute gem of a Saint-Julien, the 2022 Château Branaire-Ducru clocks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Pure cassis, black raspberries, spicy wood, and dried flower notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a silky, elegant, beautifully balanced mouthfeel, and terrific tannins. In addition, it has a sense of freshness and purity that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's clearly the finest wine I've tasted from this château, which going forward merits serious attention. ~95-97 JD

The 2022 Branaire-Ducru is a powerhouse, almost unnaturally so for this Saint-Julien, which is usually a more understated wine. A blast of dark plum fruit makes a pretty strong first impression. Licorice, cloves, spice, menthol, and chocolate fill out the layers. Readers should expect a concentrated, virile Saint-Julien with compelling aromatic presence. In this warm, low-yielding vintage, Branaire is quite the brooding powerhouse. It will be interesting to see if more finesse develops in time. Impressive. Tasted two times. ~94-96 AG-VM