2016 Chateau Branaire Ducru
By Chateau Branaire Ducru
2016 Chateau Branaire Ducru, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
The resplendent 2016 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru is a jewel in the crown of St-Julien, Bordeaux. My many years of chronicling fine wines have scarcely seen such harmony and elegance that this vintage so exquisitely showcases. It is a definitive exemplar of a great Bordeaux year, a vintage whose laurels rest not just on climatic benevolence but also on the unwavering dedication to quality at the venerable Chateau Branaire Ducru.
Finesse and Structure: A Symphony in a Bottle
The growing season of 2016 in Bordeaux was nothing short of dramatic—a test of nerve for even the most seasoned of vintners. A wet spring gave way to an exceptional, enduring dry spell, creating the ideal conditions for ripening that infuse this wine with its distinctive character. The result: a Chateau Branaire Ducru basking in immaculate balance, boasting generous tannins underpinning a poised, aromatic complexity.
A Vintage With Investment Pedigree
For connoisseurs and investors alike, the 2016 Chateau Branaire Ducru stands as an eloquent testament to its storied terroir. With a rich palette of cassis, violet, and subtle oak influences, it becomes evident this wine has the depth to evolve magnificently. Its poise and depth are transmitted through velvety layers of dark fruit enshrined by an ironclad structure, suggesting an expansive window for cellaring—with potential gains for those wise enough to invest in its time-bound narrative.
A critical darling from barrel to bottle, the 2016 vintage is a savant in expressing St-Julien's virtuosity; a wine that pays homage to heritage while promising exceptional longevity. For those astute in navigating fine wine as both pleasure and portfolio asset, 2016 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru represents an unmissable opportunity.
As I reflect upon its virtues, I am minded that here lies not merely a bottle of wine but a tapestry woven with nature's finest threads—a vintage where each sip divulges histories and futures alike. Such indulgence is rarely found outside the tapestried halls of St-Julien's finest chateaux.
Market price (GBP)
£498.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
31.13
Scores and tasting notes
This is clearly the best wine I have tasted from Branaire-Ducru. Exquisite depth and richness are on offer, yet this is always framed and focused. Layers of fruit and tannins. So deep and long. Incredible quality.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017
A fresh bay leaf note leads off, followed quickly by pure, enticing layers of cassis, blackberry and black cherry fruit that emerge steadily through the long finish. Offers lovely mouthfeel and purity. A very pretty expression of St.-Julien.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator (James Molesworth)
The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc picked from 28 September until 19 October at 50 hectoliters per hectare, one of the longest harvest periods at the estate. The nose is quite intense with black fruit infused with pencil shaving and a touch of tobacco, unashamedly classic in style, a little distant compared to some other Saint Juliens but undeniably well defined and full of character. The palate is structured and masculine, exerting a firm grip in the mouth, spicier than its peers with cracked black pepper complementing the black fruit, tobacco and smoke towards the structured finish. There is great length here, very persistent in the mouth, a little "rougher" in texture than others, but that will be smoothed out during élevage and in bottle. Give this Branaire-Ducru five or six years in bottle because it has great potential, one of the best produced at the estate in recent years. (NB This sample was taken from a new barrel, though the final blend will be 60%.)
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 April 2017
Juicy, savoury nose. Fresh and fine-boned. Could only be bordeaux – tant mieux! Silky texture with some energy.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com