Chateau Branaire Ducru

A classic Saint-Julien: minerally underpinned, with the structure typical of Médoc Cabernets of firm tannins and lively acidity — built for aging, but already approachable.

Château Branaire-Ducru has been one of the Quatrièmes Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Julien since 1855. The estate lies on deep gravel and limestone soils between Beychevelle and Ducru-Beaucaillou. The blend traditionally consists of Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. It is aged in barriques, a proportion of which is new oak—between 50 and 65%, depending on the vintage.

The glass reveals dark blackberry, cassis, and violet, followed by cedarwood, graphite, and a hint of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the tannins are present but fine-grained. Long, spicy finish with a mineral note.

• Food pairing: Lamb loin with herb crust, aged Comté cheese, duck breast with black cherry sauce
• Temperature: 16–18 °C
• Drinking window: now until 2032+, also drinkable young with decanting time