2016 Château Branaire-Ducru - Saint Julien - Dry Red Wine - France

Wine Review
"The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc picked from September 28th to October 19th at 50 hectoliters per hectare, one of the longest harvest periods at the estate. The nose is quite intense black fruit infused with pencil lead and a touch of tobacco, unashamedly classic in style, a little aloof compared to some of its Saint Julien peers but undeniably well defined and characterful. The palate is structured and masculine, exerting a firm grip in the mouth, spicier than its peers with cracked black pepper complementing the black fruit, tobacco and smoke towards the structured finish. There is great length here, very persistent in the mouth, a little "rougher" in texture than others but that will smooth out during élevage and in bottle. Give this Branaire-Ducru five or six years in bottle because it has great potential, one of the best produced at the estate in recent years." (Neal Martin - Wine Advocate: 92-94/100 points)

"Branaire-Ducru 2016 is beautiful. A touch of inky blue/purplish fruits, licorice, violets, lavender and dark spices lend richness and textural nuance. Graceful and nuanced, in classic Branaire style, the 2016 possesses lovely depth and sensuality, with no hard edges and terrific overall balance. Time in the glass brings out the wine's more floral and spice-driven notes. The Branaire is above all else a wine of finesse, despite its considerable intensity. It is also arguably the most polished of the Saint-Juliens. I tasted it twice." (Antonio Galloni: 92-95/100 points)