Castle Branaire Ducru - Saint-Julien 2015

Vinifera

4 / 5

the5/31/2016

Nez d’une belle intensité avec une pureté particulière de l’expression. Beau charnu de bouche qui se développe sur un milieu de bouche particulièrement savoureux et finale très pure.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

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 / 100

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.

Bettane & Desseauve

17,5-18 / 20

the4/28/2016

Pourra certainement concourir pour le prix du branaire le plus abouti des trente dernières années, avec une précision et une finesse dans l’extraction du tannin à citer en modèle et un retour de tannin plus ample et plus énergique que par le passé malgré la tendresse native du millésime. Un vin à suivre en bouteilles.

Vinous

92-94 / 100

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.

Decanter.com

92 / 100

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

timatkin.com

91 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

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 / 100

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

René Gabriel

17 / 20

the4/10/2016

Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Pflaumiger Bouquetansatz, dezent laktischer Anflug, zeigt eine gute Tiefe an. Im Gaumen mit viel Kirschen aufwartend, eine leicht florale Note im Extrakt aufweisend, hat Fleisch und Potential, aromatisches Finish. Neigt zur Klassik 17/20 2025 – 2046

Jamessuckling.com

93-94 / 100

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 / 100

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.