2021 Chateau Branaire Ducru Saint Julien

Delve into the illustrious history and exceptional winemaking of Château Branaire Ducru, an estate with roots stretching back to 1680. This storied vineyard, founded by Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, boasts a rich heritage that has shaped its reputation as a premier producer of exquisite Bordeaux wines.

Nestled in the prestigious Saint Julien appellation, Château Branaire Ducru's 60-hectare vineyard thrives on deep gravel and clay soils. This prime terroir, elevated up to 14 meters, is located near the Gironde river, with additional plots near Château Lagrange and Château Talbot. The vineyard's composition—65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot—reflects a perfect balance that enhances the complexity of its wines.

Château Branaire Ducru's journey from a portion of the Beychevelle estate to a renowned 4th Growth vineyard in the 1855 Classification is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Patrick Maroteaux's acquisition in 1988 marked a new era of innovation. Modern techniques, including gravity-fed vinification, were introduced under his stewardship, propelling the estate to new heights. The legacy continues under François Xavier Maroteaux, ensuring that each bottle encapsulates the vineyard's esteemed heritage.

2021 is looking to be a good vintage for Bordeaux.Vinous Mediagave it a 92-94 points, and said: " The 2021 Bordeaux have turned out to be such a surprise. The best wines offer a striking combination of old-school classicism with modern-day precision."

66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5.5% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc. Already very expressive nose of lovely, ripe fruits. After some aeration in the glass, it offers fine, spicy notes and overall freshness. The palate is very well balanced. Fleshy and yet delicately smooth, with elegant tannins. A long impressive finish. From the beginning to end, the tasting unfolds with a beautiful sense of harmony. This vintage is a blend of all the grape varieties.

Broad and well ripe in sensory profile, it shows notes of black plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, incense and caraway. Full body, perfectly soft tannins and a finish of excellent savouriness. Lovely.A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5.5% Petit Verdot and 6.5% Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026. ~95 WinesCritic.com

The 2021 Branaire-Ducru has realized all the potential it showed en primeur. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, menthol, violets and baking chocolate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and suave, with a velvety attack that segues into a deep, fleshy palate. This is especially impressive in the context of the vintage. ~94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Open and explosive in its aromatics, the 2021 Branaire-Ducru is deep, layered and super-expressive, promising to evolve well for many years to come. The Cabernets are especially evident in the wine's remarkable savory character. Black cherry, lavender, graphite, and dried herbs lend considerable nuance. In 2021, Branaire-Ducru is not quite as charming as it often is at the outset, so readers should plan on being patient. ~94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Green peppercorns, menthol and sightly herbal aspects on the nose. Smooth and silky, a shot of bright high acidity with a balancing creamy touch to the texture. Tannins are barely there, but do give the frame which nicely carries the flavours. Really charming and fruity, great energy if not masses of weight and depth. Clean and precise fruit expression. A great effort in 2021. ~94 Decanter

The plum, chocolate and orange-peel aromas and flavors are all so attractive, and the tannins are creamy and bright with a medium velvety texture and a fine finish. Nice acidity at the end. A blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 6.5% cabernet franc and 5.5% petit verdot. Very drinkable now but will be better in two or three years. ~94 James Suckling

Flowers and black raspberries with black and red currants open the wine in the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, fresh, sweet, juicy and pure. Classic in style, this is going to be approchable early, so you will be able to enjoy all the ripe, elegant, cherries, plums and peppery currants without a long wait. Yet, the wine will age for 2 decades ore more easily. The wine is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc and 5.5% Petit Verdot, 13% ABV, 3.68 pH. The harvest took place September 24, finishing October 14. The yields were low at 32 hectoliters per hectare and from there, roughly 60% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin.Drink from 2024-2050. 92-94. ~93 The Wine Cellar Insider

Bright red and blue fruits, violets, and floral notes define the bouquet of the 2021 Château Branaire-Ducru, a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant Saint-Julien. It has nicely integrated background oak, plenty of mid-palate depth, and the balance and length to shine for two decades. It's incredibly well done and should end up being an outstanding wine.~92 Jeb Dunnuck

Slightly smoky nose, tobacco, red and dark berries, herbal spice. On the palate, slim, fresh, light to medium body, good structure, the tannins are of good quality, do not overpower the delicate fruit, it has race and precision and a red berry fruit and floral back aromas on the finish. Delicate. 2025-2042 (tasted in November 2023 in Zurich at UGCB). ~92 vvWine.ch

Opaque ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Fine aromas of blackberry fruit, fresh black cherries, hints of cassis and wood spices. A fresh and juicy palate with red cherries, integrated tannins and a touch of minerality on the finish, has good ageing potential.~91 Falstaff

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