Château Branaire- Ducru

Saint- Julien 4 Grand Cru Classé

2018 Château Branaire-Ducru

MAR 19 Ruby. Some herbs, blueberries, anise and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, red fruity, some herbs and paprika, structured, long finish. 90-92

2017 Château Branaire-Ducru

APR 17 Ruby. Scented, blueberries, floral, blackberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, some spices, bit leaner body, blueberries, long. Somewhat lighter. 90-92

2016 Château Branaire-Ducru

MAY 19 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, spices and liquorice, quite rich nose, vanilla notes up front. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, spices, dark berries, long finish. 93

2016 Château Branaire Ducru

APR 17 64CS 27M 6PV 3CF Ruby. Paprika, cassis, vanilla and thyme nose, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, lively and detailed, elegant and refreshing, red and dark fruits. The herbal notes on the nose is not noticeable on the elegant palate, long. 92-94

2015 Château Branaire Ducru

DEC 18 Ruby. Red berries, anise, blueberries, cassis, some spices below, ever so slight herbal touch far back, tight nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, anise, spices, cassis and red fruits, spices, leaner body, structured behind, long. Drink from 2025 and twenty years or so thereafter. 92

2015 Château Branaire-Ducru

SEP 18 Ruby. Cassis, anise, spices, nuanced, layered, scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries, darker fruits, nuanced and detailed, juicy, long. 95

2015 Château Branaire-Ducru

APR 16 Ruby. Darker fruits, spices, red berries, deeper and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, leaner, structured, long. 90-92

2014 Château Branaire Ducru

DEC 17 Ruby. Anise, spices, blueberries, cassis, light floral high note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, some spices, dark berries, faint herbal touch, long. 92

2014 Château Branaire- Ducru

JUN 15 Ruby. Scented, red berries, fruity, intense, minerals and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, playful, rounded finish, long. 92

2014 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 15 Ruby. Scented, fruity, dark berries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, lively, quite detailed, red berries finish, long. 91-93

2013 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 14 Deep ruby. Leaner nose, some red berries and herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, elegant and detailed, refreshing, red berries. Long. 89-91

2012 Château Branaire Ducru

MAR 19 Ruby. Dark fruity, oxidative and flat, same on the palate. It was served at a lunch in Bordeaux, but I would have rejected the bottle personally.

2012 Château Branaire Ducru
JAN 17 Ruby. Red berries, cassis, floral notes, some vanilla, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries and spices, structured behind, light bitter touch, long. 91

2012 Château Branaire-Ducru

DEC 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, light floral notes, blueberries and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, somewhat leaner palate, quite firm. 90

2012 Château Branaire- Ducru

SEP 13 Ruby. Fruity, scented, nuanced and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and elegant, refreshing, lovely texture, long. 91-92

2012 Château Branaire- Ducru

JUN 13 Ruby. Fruity, scented and pure feel on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and elegant, quite refined, long. 92-93

2012 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 13 Ruby. Fruity, floral and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean, long. 89-91

2011 Château Branaire-Ducru

SEP 15 Ruby. Blueberries, mint, detailed, intense, layered, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, anise, spices, detailed, fresh, lovely balance, mouthwatering, long. 94

2011 Château Branaire- Ducru

DEC 14 Dyprød. Fruktig, solbær, litt tight duft, noe parfyme, blant de mer rustikke i appelasjonen. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, elegant, frisk, noe mindre intensitet, svakt hul, fin lengde. 2020-2030 91

2011 Château Branaire- Ducru

SEP 12 Deep ruby, seems to have gone back to the style it had before the 08, 09 and 10 vintages (unfortunately) and feels green and herbal with cassis behind. I'm not afraid of herbs in Bordeaux, but they should be in the background. Fresh acidity and ripe tannins. 89

2010 Château Branaire- Ducru

MAR 13 Ruby. Scented, cassis and some vanilla nose, layered and quite refined. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, almost soft for Branaire, flirting, long and beautiful. This is a gorgeous Branaire Ducru. 93

2010 Château Branaire- Ducru

SEP 11 Ruby. Lovely and pure fruit, body feels leaner now than in June and April, very elegant. 90-91

2010 Château Branaire- Ducru

JUN 11 A bit shut on the nose, astonishing fruit and balance on the palate, beautiful texture, one superb Branaire. 92-94

2010 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 11 Deep ruby, pure, elegant, fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, good length. 89-91

2010 Duluc de Branaire Ducru

JAN 16 Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices and blueberries, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, juicy before leaner finish. 88

2009 Château Branaire-Ducru

NOV 13 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, riper nose, intense and has more weight than usual. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, refreshing, playful, quite elegant. 94

2009 Château Branaire- Ducru

JUN 10 Ruby with pink rim. Some coffee, white chocolate, elegant nose, touch of cassis and red berries. Good acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, elegant, not a sign of herbal touch that I for some reason often find at this estate, very good length. 88-90

2008 Château Branaire Ducru

DEC 15 Ruby. Cassis, red berries, fruity, some spices, bit tight nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, redder fruits, some cassis, vanilla, quite elegant texture. Lovely Branaire. 91

2008 Château Branaire- Ducru
AUG 14 Ruby. Leaner cassis and some vanilla nose, starting leather. Lacks the fragrant "opulence" it used to have. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fresh, flirting, still seductive palate, still a favorite Branaire. 91

2008 Château Branaire- Ducru

MAR 13 Ruby. Scented nose, bell peppers, cassis and floral. Fresh acidity and ripe tannins, elegant. I love the 08 Branaire, long. 92

2008 Château Branaire- Ducru

NOV 12 Deep ruby. Floral and slightly herbal over cassis and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb texture. Long. 91

2008 Château Branaire- Ducru

NOV 12 Ruby. Floral, somewhat scented and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean but lovely texture. Good length. 90

2007 Château Branaire- Ducru

OCT 13 Ruby. Fruity, elegant, nuanced and flirting, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and refreshing palate, lovely, good length. 89

2007 Château Branaire- Ducru

NOV 11 Ruby. Elegant and scented nose. Fresh acidity, playful, lively, elegant body. 90

2007 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 08 Ruby. Some mocha, coffee, warmer fruit for the vintage on the nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, woody and spicy, bit jammy, over extracted? 86-88

2006 Château Branaire Ducru

AUG 17 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Blackberries, some cassis, fruity, intense, rich and fruity, blueberries nose. Scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some anise and spices, blackberries, firm, tight, long. 92

2006 Château Branaire Ducru

SEP 07 Ruby. Blueberries, vanilla, spices, herbs nose, coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blueberries, anise, paprika, spices, coffee, good length. Bit rustic. 89

2006 Château Branaire- Ducru

MAY 07 Ruby. Fruity, some anise and spices, blueberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, blueberries, elegant structure, long. 90-92

2005 Château Branaire Ducru

SEP 15 Ruby. Cassis, some vanilla notes still, fruity, lightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly rounded, fairly elegant, very well made but lacks a bit of personality in a way. It is good, even very good but one doesn't quite fall in love. 93

2005 Château Branaire Ducru

MAY 09 Ruby. Cassis, anise, spices, vanilla, blueberries, faint scented note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite woody, structured and firm with jammy cassis, long. 92

2004 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 08 Ruby. Scented, fruity nose, blueberries and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite rich and fruity for the vintage, vanilla, good length. 89

2004 Château Branaire Ducru

SEP 07 Ruby. Blueberries, vanilla, paprika and some leather notes. Leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, lighter bodied, vanilla and spices, rustic structure, bit too lean finish. 88

2004 Château Branaire- Ducru

MAY 07 Ruby. Dark fruits, vanilla, coffee and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, fruity, dark berries, bit of wood, long. 90

2003 Château Branaire- Ducru

JUL 14 Ruby. Rich and almost a touch alcoholic nose (even at 13%), highly scented, roses and fruity, blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and soft body, some sweet notes, slightly rougher finish, good length. Not fully together. 88

2003 Château Branaire Ducru;

SEP 10 (Magnum) Ruby with brick rim, a touch of alcohol and still very sweet. Fragrant, acidic and lean feel, short finish. Will this one clean up as well as so many of the other 03's? This is back to how I have felt about the vintage. 85

2001 Château Branaire Ducru

FEB 19 Ruby. Blueberries, cassis, anise, lightly floral, some dates and figs nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, not sure if this is the best bottle, good length. 88

2000 Château Branaire Ducru

SEP 07 Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, floral, blueberries, cassis and lightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, cassis, blueberries, detailed, minerals, juicy, seductive, lovely balance, opens up beautifully and is showing utter seduction at this stage. 92

1999 Château Branaire- Ducru

MAY 12 Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, spices, pepper, wood up front still, leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, rounded fruit but structured and needs time to mellow, long. 90

1999 Château Branaire- Ducru

NOV 10 Deep ruby, ruby rim. Floral touch, very perfumed, leather, blackcurrants, slightly leafy, lots of vanilla and oak. Ripe tannins, slightly herbal and greenish, some sour cherries, stone from stone fruit, roasted coffee beans, quite complex, good length, but not quite together. 86

1998 Château Branaire-Ducru

APR 18 Double magnum. Ruby. Scented, red berries, floral nose, some starting figs and faint tobacco notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, rounded, red berries, cassis, elegant texture, long. 90

1995 Château Branaire- Ducru

MAR 12 Ruby. More mature nose than most 95's, floral, Scented, dry tobacco, plums, leather and licorice. Fresh acidity, tannins more or less gone, some astringent ones left behind. Falling a bit apart and a bit short. 88

1995 Château Branaire- Ducru

NOV 10 Deep ruby, thin ruby rim. Vanilla, some pencil, tobacco, smoke, perfumed, mint and a touch of chocolate. Fresh acidity, ripe and big tannins, needs time, structured, a bit edgy at the moment, good length. Like Lagrange, a Château that is growing on me. 89

1989 Château Branaire Ducru

JUN 18 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, red berries, anise, blueberries, figs, minerals, nuanced nose. Some tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, red berries, anise, minerals, elegant texture, lovely balance, juicy and playful, long. 93

1989 Château Branaire-Ducru

MAR 18 Ruby. Scented, red berries, anise, figs, some cedar, some tobacco, nuanced and detailed, layered, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, cassis, figs, dates, anise, elegant. Probably my best bottle yet of this. (Served blind) 94 

1989 Château Branaire Ducru

DEC 16 Ruby with garnet rim. Scented, red berries, fresh, leather, floral notes, some tobacco nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, tannins softening up, fresh, fruity, structured behind, elegant if leaner than the second last bottle. 93

1989 Château Branaire Ducru

AUG 16 Ruby, brick rim. Figs, leather, prunes, tobacco and floral notes, leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, leaner fruit and body, structured and bordering on rustic texture, lacks some fruit to be a top bottle, more evolved. 91

1989 Château Branaire Ducru

AUG 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Violets, fruity, cassis, blueberries, figs, light exotic note, scented and seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant and bright, lovely balance, the best bottle I've had of this. 94

1989 Château Branaire Ducru

JUN 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Floral, scented, leather, figs, tobacco notes, lovely nose, even more charming than before. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant and detailed, lovely balance, long. 93

1989 Château Branaire-Ducru

DEC 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Some tobacco, cassis still, leather, plums, some floral notes, quite seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity if leaner, elegant red fruity, some figs and prunes, long. 90

1989 Château Branaire- Ducru

DEC 14 Rubin med tynn tegl kant. Røde bær, noe fiken, lær, parfymerte toner, elegant duft om noe smalere for årgangen. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, røde bær, fruktig om slankere, detaljert, nyansert, snev av solbærblader, kjølig, nydelig Branaire. Nå-2020 92

1983 Château Branaire- Ducru
APR 15 Ruby, brick rim. Leather, violets, leaner nose, intense cedar and cigars, figs, black tea, some coffee and prunes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins letting go, fairly smooth, mint, lightly metallic to be picky but fading fairly soon. Good length. Very evolved for the vintage, but quite lovely.  88

1982 Château Branaire- Ducru

NOV 11 Ruby, garnet rim. Figs, prunes, leather and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fairly seamless if not that complex, long. 91

1982 Chateau Branaire- Ducru

DEC 09 Ruby with garnet rim, good and ripe nose, prunes, cassis, sweet liquorice and leather. Good balance, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lacks a bit in complexity and length. 87

1975 Château Branaire- Ducru

JAN 16 Ruby, brick rim. Some cedar, light tobacco note nose, some cassis and leather, starting figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, some redcurrants, cherries, anise, leather and plenty sweet tobacco. Somewhat rustic finish, slightly drying. Long. 90

1962 Château Branaire- Ducru

FEB 12 Ruby with broad brick rim. Dusty nose, some figs and liquorice behind, decaying leaf note. Fresh acidity, few tannins but drying palate, bit lean. 83

1959 Château Branaire Ducru

APR 19 Ruby, brick rim. Figs, earthy, anise, dates, scented, even some spices nose. Tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, figs and dates, detailed, lovely balance, elegant texture, long. Better than the first bottle, more together. 94

1959 Château Branaire Ducru

APR 19 Ruby, garnet rim. Figs, floral, dates, spices and minerals nose. Mature. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, anise, spices, dates, elegant texture, lovely balance, long. 93

1934 Château Branaire- Ducru

OCT 11 Deep ruby, orange rim. Some figs and plums, earthy, leather and tobacco notes nose. Fresh acidity, tannins polished off, leaner palate, sweet and sour, figs and plums, long. 92

1928 Château Branaire- Ducru

APR 09 Ruby core, orange rim. Figs, dusty notes, earthy nose, musky. Fresh acidity, a few astringent tannins still, leaner palate, sour cherries and sweeter figs, lean and drying finish. 88