Castle Branaire-Ducru - Saint-Julien 2011

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

89 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe8/31/2014

Bright, deep ruby-red.  Sappy aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant and sweet spices are complicated by an intense note of violet.  Bright and juicy in the mouth, offering excellent volume for the vintage as well as noteworthy floral lift to the fresh dark currant and plum flavors.  The wine's sappy quality gives it good inner-mouth energy and early deliciousness, even if it lacks the structure of the best vintages.  On the other hand, by avoiding overextraction the lovely 2011 Branaire-Ducru offers plenty of early appeal. (89(+?) points)

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2014

A dense blue/ruby/purple color is followed by notes of raspberries, incense and spring flowers, supple tannins, medium body and excellent elegance as well as purity. The result is a suave, savory 2011. While it does not possess the size or richness of vintages such as 2009 and 2010, the 2011 has plenty of charm and appeal. Drink it over the next decade.

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/19/2014

This is tight and structured, with blueberry and mineral character. Full and firm with excellent tannins for the vintage. Needs at least four years to soften but shows potential: try in 2018.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/10/2014

 Offers mouthfilling layers of plum sauce, blackberry compote and warm ganache, all lined with a charcoal note that adds texture and length. Delivers depth and polish on the finish, with the fruit echoing pleasantly. Best from 2016 through 2027.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,5 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe9/30/2013

Vin très bien construit, fruité et particulièrement savoureux, à la tannicité douce, à la bonne longueur florale et fruitée, au grain fin. 2016-2030.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe8/30/2013

Peppery, fresh dark fruit, cassis and cassis leaf. Chocolatey oak on the palate but still fresh and juicy.

Decanter Magazine

16,5 / 20

the6/30/2012

Very good depth of cassis fruit, good middle sweetness and firm natural tannins. 2015-2028.

La Revue du Vin de France

16,5-17 / 20

the5/31/2012

Le niveau de maturité des raisins est remarquable, avec un fruit concentré et frais. La texture se montre ainsi dense, pulpeuse, plein de saveurs. La masse tannique, importante, s'intègre à l'ensemble, avec un grain fin. Une des réussites du millésime.

Le Point

16,5-17 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012

Fruits noirs, bouche veloutée, tendre, tanins élégants, fin, précis, pas d'explosion aromatique mais une structure fine et bien travaillée. Net et précis. Branaire est une vin qui s'exprime avec le temps. O= 2018 G= 15 ans

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88-91 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012

Opaque deep purple-ruby. Penetrating, perfumed blackcurrant, mint and balsamic vinegar aromas are complicated by a candied violet note. Enters the mouth very fresh and smooth, then turns richer and fuller in the middle, with bright acids lifting the ripe, sweet black fruit flavors at the back. Finishes with building tannins and considerable freshness--not to mention sneaky concentration and excellent balance.

TAST

17-17,5 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012

Vin complet pour l'année, racé et complexe avec, dès la naissance une onctuosité de texture surprenante pour le cru qui, avec l'acquisition récente de vignes sur des terroirs superbes, a certainement gagé en autorité de style.

Wein Wisser

/ 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2012

Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schommer aussen. Frisches Bouquet, florale Cabernet Würze, Preiselbeeren und viel Kirschentöne, einen Hauch feinen Kräuter zeigend. Aromatischer Gaumen, fest im Fleisch, mit verlangender Adstringenz, wirkt momentan noch leicht vordergründig, hat aber sehr gute Anglagen. 2018-2044

Decanter.com

16,5 / 20

the4/30/2012

Very good depth of Cabernet-cassis fruit, good middle sweetness and firm natural tannins. Will show very well. Drink 2015-2028.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012

A top-notch effort from this estate, the 2011 exhibits an exotic perfume of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, raspberry jam and red as well as black currants. Loads of fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and velvety tannin suggest this beauty will drink well for 15+ years. It is one of the stars of the appellation in this vintage. Bravo!

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,75-16 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/30/2012

Couleur sombre et intense. Nez fruité de type mûr. Entrée en bouche moelleuse et soyeuse. Le vin se développe aromatique, juteux avec du goût et une bonne corpulence. Tanicité présente en finale, mais enveloppée. Bonne longueur savoureuse.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012

The 2011 is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 14th and 29th September at just 37hl/ha. It has a straightforward bouquet of light fresh red berry fruit laced with orange rind and graphite, focused but not powerful. After five minutes there is a brine or fish scale note. The palate has a chalky entry with crisp acidity, just a little hardness in the mouth but the finish is softer. There are notes of blackberry, pain grille and graphite with a dry, crisp finish. Fine. Tasted April 2012

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2012

From an assemblage of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.08% alcohol. Yields were about 10% lower in 2011 than what the estate produced in 2010. With mocha, black cherry, truffle, smoke and earthy aromas, this medium-bodied, soft-textured Branaire Ducru is dominated by cherries and finishes with a fresh, sweet chocolate and black raspberry finish. 91-93 Pts

Asian Palate

90-91 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2012

This is a full bodied wine with attractive aromatics of fresh blackberries and red plums. The flavours are supported by generous tannins and fresh acidity. Fairly long finish. A serious wine that will age well ?wait at least 5+ years before opening.

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/18/2012

Drink 2017-2025
Deep black cherry colour. Perfumed with cassis, vanilla and spice with a slight green note. More dry and savoury on the palate but there's a cool freshness and balance that leaves the mouth fresh. (JH)

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012

A very elegant style, with a violet frame to the supple red currant, blueberry and black cherry fruit flavors that mingle with high-toned spice on the finish. Offers fine-grained structure.—J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

92-94 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/4/2012

This wine is based on tannins, yet it also has weight and a complex fruit structure. Its power lies in the density of its texture. —R.V

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/1/2012

A very pretty red with flowers, blackberries, and blueberries. Full and silky with racy tannins and a long finish. Some hints of cocoa and pleasant bitterness. Well structured.

Vinum

17,5 / 20

the3/31/2012

Noten von Flieder und roten Beeren; im Mund von superber Fruchtigkeit, herrliches, knackigfrisches Tannin, grosse aromatische Länge; hat vielleicht nicht ganz die herausragende Klasse des 2010, doch gehört dennoch mit zu den schönsten hier je produzierten Weinen und hat die 18 Punkte nut knapp verfehlt. 2020 bis 2036.