Duluc de Branaire Ducru 2014
- Vintage
- 2014
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,St Julien
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WS89
- Grape
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Second Wine of Chateau Branaire Ducru
Fresh and approachable in feel, with plum compote and blackberry reduction notes laced with licorice and violet hints. The moderate structure is brambly in feel. The fruit wins out easily on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2024. 625 cases made.– WS89
Chateau Branaire-Ducru is situated on the opposite side of the road from Chateau Beychevelle in the south of the St-Julien appellation. Patrick Maroteaux has owned the property since 1988 and he has invested heavily in new plantings as well as installing a spanking new cuvier and an ultra-modern chai. Branaire-Ducru's 60 hectares of vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Petit Verdot (3%). The wines are matured in oak barriques (65% new). The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend is even higher than that in the vineyards - 80-85% in most years, which is one of the highest in the Medoc. Branaire-Ducru produces a pure and classic St-Julien which is elegant, ripe, supple and well-balanced. It is classified as a 4ème Cru Classe.