Chateau Branaire Ducru 2012
- Vintage
- 2012
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,St Julien
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WE95, JS91, WA90, WS90
- Grape
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby/purple, with sweet cranberry, mulberry and raspberry/blueberry fruit, this is always a distinctive St.-Julien and the 2012 has managed to avoid any of the hollowness or harsh tannins that can afflict some of the Médocs. It is elegant, well-made and an outstanding effort in this vintage. Drink it over the next 15 or more years. - WA90
Bay leaf and tobacco notes are backed by a core of damson plum, black cherry and red currant fruit. The bay leaf edge underlines the finish, with a hint of violet and a well-buried iron accent. An elegant expression of St.-Julien. Best from 2017 through 2024. - WS90
Full of ripe Cabernet tannins, this is a structured wine that’s chunky in character. It elegantly balances fruit and structure, resulting in a wine that’s sure to be impressive. - WE95
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.