1995 Chateau Branaire Ducru
By Chateau Branaire Ducru
1995 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The exquisiteness of the 1995 vintage in Bordeaux endures with one of St-Julien's more circumspect names, the 1995 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru.
Entering its plateau of maturity, this wine has become a fabled investment piece, offering both the heritage of an esteemed Bordelais estate and the singularity of an exquisite year. This vintage intriguingly splits the balance between power and elegance - something that connoisseurs and investors have since sought in their collections.
Embodiment of a Stellar Season
The 1995 vintage was a sensational year for Bordeaux, marked by a dry, warm summer which preceded a timely, cool September. This generational combination gave rise to wines of remarkable structure and longevity. The 1995 Chateau Branaire Ducru encapsulates this virtue with its admirably concentrated fruit core laced with cedar and tobacco complexity from masterful oak integration.
The palate reflects these dynamics; it is refined yet vibrant with cassis, pure blackberry depth, and subtle hints of earthiness that cater to the savouring sipper. We witness poise and sophistication - a true testament to St-Julien's capability to produce wines that delight both traditional enthusiasts and contemporary palates.
As investment potential goes, the strength lies in this label's evolution. While already approachable and immensely enjoyable now after maturing impeccably well for over two decades in bottle, there is no rush; this vintage will continue to excite collectors who appreciate the apex where liquidity meets legacy.
An Investment Vintage Par Excellence
In fine wine investment circles, the phraseology is often opulent yet exact – and rightly so when regarding the 1995 Chateau Branaire Ducru; inciting nods of approval for its multi-faceted appeal. Its poised expression, underpinned by robust tannins that soften with every passing year, assures it as one of the most alluring propositions for diversifying one's fine wine investment portfolio.
As an arbiter of a pivotal vintage in Bordeaux's history, this wine captures both an extraordinary moment in time and a quintessential snapshot of timeless St-Julien elegance. The hallmark of Chateau Branaire Ducru shines through in this quintessential claret - one whose script is replete with balance, structure, and grace; promising returns not only on one's sensory investment but potentially yielding dividends for the astute collector.
Market price (CAD)
$1,180.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
71
Scores and tasting notes
A beauty in the elegant, restrained, finesse school of winemaking, the dark ruby/purple-colored 1995 Branaire exhibits a floral, cranberry, cherry, and black currant-scented nose intermixed with high quality toasty new oak. Medium-bodied, with excellent definition, supple tannin, and an attractive, alluring personality, this pleasant, measured yet complex wine should drink well young, and keep for two decades.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998