Branaire Ducru - Saint-Julien 2015

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

The 2015 Branaire-Ducru has a clean, pure bouquet of black cherry, boysenberry and cedar aromas that soar from the glass, demonstrating (like other Saint-Julien 2015s) good energy and vivacity. The fresh, mineral-driven palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a crisp line of acidity. The slightly closed but very focused finish feels persistent and satisfying. Quality terroir and winemaking here, in a Branaire that appears to be improving as months go by. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Wine Advocate

92

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

The 2015 Branaire-Ducru has a refined and elegant bouquet with more red than black fruit: wild strawberry, damson and a touch of pencil lead as it shifts up the gears with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite structured and firm with spicy black fruit laced with cedar. There is a touch of compactness toward the final third, completing what constitutes a very refined and satisfying Branaire-Ducru. Anticipated maturity: 2021 - 2045. 

Vinous

95

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

The 2015 Branaire Ducru is a gorgeous, totally sexy wine. Rose petal, lavender, mint, sweet red berry and gently spiced notes give the wine much of its gracious, lilting personality. Precise and nuanced to the core, the 2015 Branaire is all class. It's easy to overlook Brainaire in the context of Saint-Julien, where most of the other important wines are much more powerful. Branaire always speaks with a hushed, discreet voice. Readers who appreciate finesse will find much to admire here. The 2015 is a wine of pure and total sensual pleasure. In 2015, the blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. Don't miss it. Tasted two times.

Wine Advocate

90

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Branaire-Ducru has an earthy nose over a core of red and black currants with hints of tapenade, pencil shavings and sage. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough fruit and a lively finish.

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

More open than many 2015 St.-Juliens at this stage in spite of the firm, dry tannin structure behind the bright cassis. The tannins need some integration, but with some patience (from 2021 or 2022), this will become a rather fine wine.

Decanter.com

93

byJane Ansonthe1/26/2018

Stepping up in terms of grip and acidity, this really does pull you along through the palate, while bristling tannins hold things together. This majors on control and well-drawn cassis and bilberry fruits. It needs to soften, but should really go the distance. A fine and classic St-Julien.

Wine Spectator

94

byJames Molesworththe1/10/2018

This pumps lush fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture notes along, pushed by a rather polished but ample structure. Lots of anise and violet details cascade in on the finish, giving this extra aromatic dimension. Best from 2020 through 2038

Jeb DUNNUCK

90

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

I was disappointed not be able to taste the 2015 from this estate, but the 2014 Branaire-Ducru showed well from a bottle purchased locally. Revealing a deep ruby/plum color and forward, sexy notes of black cherries, plums, leather, dried tobacco leaves and cedarwood, it offers impressive depth and density in the vintage, beautiful balance, and a rich, layered textured that has it already drinking nicely. It can be drunk anytime over the coming 20 years.

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJulia Harding MWthe11/8/2017

Bright crimson. Slightly occluded nose. Could do with a little more precision and freshness but it's certainly absolutely typical. Hint of mint on the end.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Tobacco, cedar and plump red and black fruits start off the nose. Ripe, soft tannins, purity of fruit and perfect balance are the hallmarks of this wine. Clarity and sweetness of the fruit, the freshness and elegance with the ability to age make this a strong vintage for Branaire Ducru. Produced from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, this wine reached 13.3% alcohol with a pH of 3.64. The harvest took place from September 18 to October 4.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 18 September until 8 October, with two or three intervals in between. Matured in around 60% new oak (although as usual my barrel sample was from a new oak barrel), it has a high-toned, black cherry and cassis scented nose that perhaps feels a little constricted by the new wood in this sample, though not necessarily once in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, white pepper and a touch of sage, gritty tannin, foursquare and a little conservative. There is commendable weight on the finish, if not quite the precision compared to its peers. I noticed this gaining more cohesion in the glass, which bodes well for once the Branaire-Ducru is in bottle. I expect this to rest at the top of my banded score.

Decanter.com

92

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

Very good vigour of fruit and typical of the restrained elegance of this fine fourth growth, with a little more natural richness this year. Purity and length for a fine future. 2022-2035

Vinous

92-94

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Branaire-Ducru is deep, fleshy and delicious. Radiant, open-knit and endowed with a total sense of class, the Branaire hits all the right notes. A striking mélange of dark red and purplish fruit, wild flowers, hard candy, mint, spice and new leather makes a strong opening statement. Sweet floral notes add lift on the finish. Branaire is one of the freshest, most perfumed Saint-Juliens of the vintage. As such, it is a wine of pure pleasure and sensuality, not to mention a terrific example of the year. Tasted three times.

timatkin.com

91

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe4/18/2016

Dark ruby. Sweetly gamey on the nose. A little light compared with some but very correct. Quite advanced. But just slightly austere in style. No one could object but I can't imagine many falling madly in love. Stones on the finish. Drink 2024-2038

Wine Enthusiast

93-95

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. Concentrated tannins meet seamless line of juicy black currant on the palate. The structure is firm and tight, finishing with a lift of acidity. 94 points

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

This is very structured and tight with chewy polished tannins and blueberry, blackberry. Full and savory. Should develop beautifully.

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

Pretty and aromatic, with flavors of kirsch and cherry preserves mixed with tobacco and bay notes. Stays energetic through the relatively sleek finish. Wins on purity.—J.M.