2017 Chateau Branaire Ducru
By Chateau Branaire Ducru
2017 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the fabled left bank of Bordeaux's St-Julien appellation, the 2017 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru stands as a beacon of deft viticulture and vinification prowess. Despite challenges brought forth by the year's climatic nuances, this vintage has flourished, offering a testament to the resilient nature of this venerable estate.
The Vintage Narrative: A Dance with Nature
The narrative of 2017 across Bordeaux was one of triumph over adversity. Following a string of remarkable vintages, a frost swept through, sparing Chateau Branaire Ducru but applying pressure across the region. Postponed by nature's caprice, diligent vineyard management was paramount in achieving balance in their grapes. The result: a vintage that encapsulates both grace under pressure and varietal character with exceptional aplomb.
Investment-Grade Elegance
Enthusiasts and investors alike will be captivated by the 2017 Chateau Branaire Ducru. A compelling choice for those discerning collectors seeking both diversity in their portfolio and a touch of class that St-Julien so elegantly embodies. Beneath its richly hue lies a structured finesse; harmonious tannins play in concert with vivacious red fruit notes and nuanced cedar undertones - an olfactory narrative that unfolds with each sip.
As wine investment is often akin to curating a gallery of liquid masterpieces, the inclusion of the 2017 vintage from Chateau Branaire Ducru becomes an astute acquisition. Its promise for maturation betokens a longevity afforded by both its pedigree and the meticulous crafting behind its genesis.
In sum, the 2017 Chateau Branaire Ducru gracefully captures the essence of its birth year—an unparalleled balance despite nature's trials. This particular expression is lined with an intricate complexity that evokes a sense of place and time, standing distinct amongst its peers whilst encapsulating an irresistible proposition for any strategic wine investment venture.Current market price
£410.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
31.54
Scores and tasting notes
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.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Branaire-Ducru offers lovely depth and density. The characteristic dark red/purplish fruit character of Brainaire comes through beautifully. As always, Branaire is a wine of polish and finesse. Stylistically, the 2017 comes across as a smaller scaled and more accessible version of the 2015. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. The 2017 is really quite lovely. Tasted three times.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
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.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
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.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
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.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Branaire-Ducru gives up plum preserves, baked blackcurrants, kirsch and boysenberries with hints of earth, tobacco, herbs and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh and clean with herbal sparks and a slight chew to the texture, finishing savory.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020