2016 Chateau Branaire-Ducru (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Ranked #16 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2019 and “not to be missed” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the rich and refined 95 pt. 2016 Chateau Branaire-Ducru boasts fresh, aromatic and juicy black fruit with graceful, supple tannins on an uplifted mineral finish, one of the top rated and top value blends from St. Julien in the outstanding 2016 vintage delivered ex-Chateau to enjoy over the next few decades.

Situated below the town of Beychevelle in the southern end of St. Julien, Branaire-Ducru’s massive stone gates open to a tree-lined driveway leading to the 17th century Grand Chateau, surrounded by centuries’ old vineyards once part of neighboring Chateau Beychevelle’s holdings dating back to 1680. Building a reputation for consistent quality since its purchase by Patrick Maroteaux in 1988, Branaire-Ducru has been reaping the long-term rewards of the replanting program and drastic yield reduction implemented by then winemaker Philippe Dhalluin who moved to Mouton Rothschild, the Grand Vin crafted by winemaker Jean-Dominique Videau for the past two decades. Spread out across the St. Julien appellation among Super Second powerhouses Ducru-Beaucaillou and Leoville Barton, Branaire’s 60 hectares of vines include a 3.5 hectare parcel less than a kilometer from the moderating influence of the Garonne river, as well as plots to the west near Chateaux Lagrange and Talbot, divided into 15 different micro-terroirs depending on the composition of soil and planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. Blending 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, winemaker Videau and consultant Eric Boissenot aged the 2016 Branaire-Ducru for 18 months in 60% new French oak and 40% second use, adding to complexity by increasing the amount of press wine in the final blend and yielding “arguably the most polished of the St. Juliens” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, meticulously balancing plush, concentrated fruit with integrated acidity, its dense, ripe tannins and lingering, precise finish promising a long-lived and pleasurable evolution to come.

Described by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson as “a supremely elegant, measured take on St-Julien that delivers in spades,” the luxurious 95 pt. 2016 Branaire-Ducru is “one of the highlights of 2016” according to critic Antonio Galloni, summing it up as “gorgeous,” a bargain priced beauty punching well above its weight for Bordeaux lovers and collectors to pull the cork without hesitation.

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The estate, at the southern end of Saint-Julien, has produced a wine that is both structured and stylish. This bold, ripe wine shows opulent black fruits and generous tannins. Juicy and structured, it has good aging potential. Drink from 2025.

95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2019)

The best vintage of this wine since 2009! Effusive, fresh redcurrant and cassis aromas give this St.-Julien terrific drive and energy, the elegant, dry tannins beautifully married to the medium body, right through the long, agile finish. Drink or hold.

95 points, James Suckling (Feb 2019)

The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is a real classic, and in the fullness of time, it will likely rival or even surpass the more charming, demonstrative 2019. Unwinding in the glass with deep aromas of dark berries, cassis, loamy soil, pencil shavings and cigar smoke, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a taut, structured profile and a long, penetrating finish. The only missing ingredient here is time.

94+ points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Aug 2022)

The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is deep garnet colored. It jumps with notes of ripe, juicy blackberries and blackcurrants, followed by hints of lilacs and kirsch plus a touch of underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is laden with juicy black fruits, supported by soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a mineral lift.

94 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Dec 2022)

The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is powerful, dense and explosive to a degree that is surprising for a wine that is typically much more sensual. There is lovely definition throughout, but readers will have to be patient to catch the 2016 at its very best. Hints of leather, smoke, tobacco and dried flowers begin to open up in the glass, but the 2016 is quite reticent at this stage. In two tastings I found the 2016 unusually closed. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see what time brings.

93+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2019)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.5%

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$69.88

Compare At: $74.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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