Branaire Ducru - Saint-Julien 1996

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

1996: My concerns about the 1996 Branaire turning out too tannic were unfounded. Tasted three times out of bottle, it is a textbook Branaire, with a tell-tale floral, raspberry, and black currant-scented nose intermixed with minerals and floral nuances. Elegant and pure, with surprising lushness and sweet, well-integrated tannin, this medium-bodied, finesse-styled wine should be at its finest between 2005-2018.

Wine Spectator

89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1999

Gorgeous aromas of raspberry and perfume. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a fresh and fruity aftertaste. Silky and fine. Best after 2003.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1998

The 1996 was retasted twice prior to bottling, and on both occasions I rated it between 90-92, which is slightly higher than in the past. There is an exquisite harmony between all of its elements, and it may represent one of the few 1996 Medocs that has not gone off the charts in terms of price. Readers take note

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

My notes on this wine have been shockingly similar, almost to the point of being word for word, despite the fact I have had the 1996 a half-dozen different times. Obviously I am proud of how consistent my palate is, but I was struck by the identical descriptions given this wine on multiple occasions. There are very positive attributes to the 1996 Branaire, from its dark purple color, to its chocolatey, cherry, lead pencil, and toasty aromas and flavors. However, the wine is extremely tannic, somewhat austere, and although the ripeness and palate impression offer excellent purity, medium-bodied richness, and fine ripeness, the wine still seems disjointed and awkward. I would not bet against this St.-Julien because there are too many positive things going on, but it is not the sure thing that many other 1996 Medocs appear to be. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe1/1/1998

I do not believe the 1996 Branaire will equal the quality of the 1995. The 1996 is excellent, revealing a deep ruby color with purple nuances (less saturated than many). It is closed aromatically, with some of Branaire's sweet, lead pencil, cranberry, cassis aromas gradually emerging after considerable coaxing. There is some sweet fruit on the attack, but the finish possesses significant tannic clout. Medium-bodied and pure, the 1996 Branaire appears to possess the right component parts, but it is awkward and closed. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015. Last tasted 3/97