Chateau Branaire Ducru 2015

From the Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, France, Chteau Branaire-Ducru is a Fourth Growth estate that was part of the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The history of the estate dates back to 1680, and since 1988 it has been owned by the Maroteaux family. The vineyard is located on the gravelly hills of the Saint-Julien appellation, with the vines rooted in deep gravel and clay soils. The winery’s philosophy, or ‘House Signature’, focuses on creating wines with a distinct balance of fruit, freshness, and elegance.

Wine Description Chteau Branaire-Ducru 2015 has a deep, garnet-purple colour. The wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. The nose offers notes of black cherry, cassis, plum preserves, red berries, and hints of Indian spices, fragrant soil, and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied and packed with juicy black fruits. The wine has a lively, fresh acidity with a fine tannin structure. It is described as elegant, supple, and harmonious, with a long, layered finish.

Accolades

• Vinous – 95 points

• Wine Enthusiast – 95 points

• Decanter – 94 points

• Wine Spectator – 94 points (No. 33 in Top 100 Wines of 2018)

• James Suckling – 93 points

Food Pairing This wine is an excellent match for red meat, veal, pork, lamb, and grilled dishes. It also pairs well with aged hard cheeses like Comt or Pecorino, mushroom risotto, and dishes with truffle or earthy spice. A perfect match to enhance the wine’s complexity.