1996 Chateau Branaire Ducru
By Chateau Branaire Ducru
1996 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The narrative of Bordeaux wines is intrinsically linked with the pedigree of its vintages, and the 1996 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru aligns itself as one of the more storied chapters within the realm of fine wine investment. Maturing gracefully in the cellars of collectors, this vintage continues to unfurl complexities that tantalise aficionados and investors alike.
Meticulously Crafted Elegance
The year 1996 was propitious for Bordeaux's left bank, a testament to the confluence of favourable climatic conditions that exalted Cabernet Sauvignon to the zenith of its expression. In this context, the 1996 Chateau Branaire Ducru, endowed with a sheath of vibrant fruit cloaked in refined tannins, stands as a paragon showcasing the acumen of St-Julien's terroir.
This sublime offering presents a mélange of blackcurrant and raspberry notes, precariously balanced with the quintessence of cedar and subtle hints of tobacco. A weave of oak offers texture - a patina gleaning from twenty-five years of meticulous ageing. Yet, there exists an invigorating freshness, a hallmark of the '96 vintage, providing longevity and promise for ongoing evolution within the bottle.
A Sound Investment in Provenance
As we navigate through the intricacies of wine investment, provenance is key. The 1996 Chateau Branaire Ducru hails from an era where precision in viticulture was on the cusp of modernity; it chronicles an epoch that enthusiasts seek to preserve and revere. Its ascent to maturity has been steadfast and sure—reinforcing its eminence in any discerning investor's portfolio.
In sum, the narrative spun by this particular vintage is one of enduring sophistication and nuanced pleasure. The 1996 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru resonates deeply with collectors who are privy to its well-orchestrated symphony of flavours—the embodiment of a quintessential St-Julien journeying through time with grace and stature.
Market price (USD)
$920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
89
POP score
84.44
Scores and tasting notes
1996: My concerns about the 1996 Branaire turning out too tannic were unfounded. Tasted three times out of bottle, it is a textbook Branaire, with a tell-tale floral, raspberry, and black currant-scented nose intermixed with minerals and floral nuances. Elegant and pure, with surprising lushness and sweet, well-integrated tannin, this medium-bodied, finesse-styled wine should be at its finest between 2005-2018.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 April 1999