Branaire Ducru - Saint-Julien 2004

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe8/1/2014

Tasted at Bordeaux Index annual 10-year on tasting from an ex-château bottle. The Branaire-Ducru 2004 has a rather strange, malty bouquet with leathery red fruit mixed with Japanese pickle, one bottle at Farr showing some VA but less so at Bordeaux Index. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly pinched entry. Tart red fruit, spice and white pepper, but the finish is tapered and the fruit intensity seems to have ebbed away since I last tasted this wine in 2008. Tasted March 2014.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2010

Tiefes Purpur. Warmes, erdiges Médoc- Terroirbouquet, schöne Pflaumen- und Dörrpflaumennote, mit einem ersten Schokoton unterlegt. Besitzt recht viel Charme im Gaumen und scheint bald in die erste Reifephase zu gelangen, verfügt aber auch über gute Reserven. 2013–2028

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe1/28/2009

The ’04 Branaire-Ducru was promising out of barrel, but not as convincing as others. But here in bottle, this is a success for the estate in a modest vintage. The nose has blossomed in the interim, with sweet blackberry, a hint of steaming black coffee and lots of cedar. With time it develops a lovely floral note, complemented by a hint of damson. The palate is full-bodied, supple and tannic, not as foursquare as in barrel, but still assertive and keen to make an impression. That is fine because it is well defined and has lovely blackberry, briary and a hint of mocha on the finish. Great length. This could merit an even higher mark down the line, so watch this space. Drink 2012-2024. Tasted November 2008. 90+

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

90 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe6/30/2008

Bright, dark red. Very expressive aromas of plum, coffee, smoked meat, tobacco and underbrush. Rich, ripe and pliant; very easy to taste after the young 2006. Berry flavors are complemented by chocolate and mint. Not at all overly sweet but offers lovely concentration and balance, and finishes supple and persistent. Lovely claret.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/29/2007

Possessing the finest aromatics of all the 2004 St.-Juliens, Branaire Ducru offers complex licorice, cranberry, boysenberry, and floral notes interwoven with notions of plums and figs. This dark ruby/purple-tinged, medium-bodied, elegant effort offers sweet fruit as well as ripe tannins. Give it 1-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 14 -15.

Wine Spectator

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2007

Attractive blackberry and currant aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Refined and pretty. Needs a bit more concentration to be outstanding. Best after 2008. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 15,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2006

Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux’s 2004 exhibits grip in a linear style, and a structured, 1999-type personality with elegance, crisp acidity, and notes of minerals, raspberries, cocoa, and subtle oak. It possesses moderate tannin, medium body, and outstanding depth and equilibrium. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe5/3/2005

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2005

Always a distinctive, fragrant St.-Julien offering a complex concoction of raspberries, cassis, violets, and minerals, the 2004 Branaire’s vibrant aromatics are accompanied by a dense ruby/purple color, medium body, plenty of fruit, sweet, well-integrated tannin, and a gracious, flavorful yet concentrated style. Enjoy this layered, classic effort between 2008-2020.

TAST

16 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/28/2005

Echantillon boisé, vin serré, dense, tendu, un peu moins onctueux que Talbot, mais plus vif, tannin fin, très bien vinifié comme d'habitude. Mais dans le millésime le terroir des Léoville leur donne ce supplément de personnalité qui par comparaison fait paraître ce cru plus simple.

Carnets de dégustation RVF

8 / 10

the4/22/2005

Derrière la robe dense, le nez intense exhale un arôme de cassis fruit et légèrement cassis feuille. Dense en attaque, ce millésime réserve un joli milieu de bouche concentré, sur une maturité un peu juste, mais cela lui donne de la fraîcheur. Un vin bien équilibré.

Wine Spectator

89-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/30/2005

Extremely aromatic, with currants and blackberries, hints of minerals and lightly toasted oak. Medium- to full-bodied and chewy, with lots of rich tannins and a long finish. Very pretty, very long.