Chateau Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien

Saint-Julien in its purest form: the Branaire-Ducru combines the typical elegance of the appellation with a clear signature — structured, mineral, with a long finish.

Château Branaire-Ducru is located directly opposite Beychevelle on the Route des Châteaux in the Médoc. This Fourth Growth (Quatrième Grand Cru Classé 1855) is predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Since its acquisition by the Maroteaux family in the 1980s, the estate has steadily improved in precision—the 2018 vintage earned 94 points from Wine Spectator.

In the glass, the 2018 displays a dark ruby ​​red color. The nose opens with aromas of ripe cherry and red bell pepper, with a hint of graphite underneath. On the palate, the typical Saint-Julien minerality unfolds: a berry-fruited core, velvety tannins, and a vanilla note from the oak barrel aging. The finish is salty and long—precisely the characteristic that distinguishes good Médoc vintages from great ones.

• Dishes: Lamb loin with herb crust, entrecôte, mature Comté cheese
• Temperature: 17–18 °C
• Drinking window: now until 2032+