Duluc de Branaire-Ducru, St Julien

Château Branaire is a winery in the St Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region.  This wine is the name of the main red wine produced by this property and which was classified as one of the ten ‘Quatrièmes Crus’ (Fourth Growths), in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.  Although the actual Château is located on the southern border of this appellation, across from the Château Beychevelle, the vineyards of the estate are spread throughout St Julien.  In total, the vineyards cover 50 hectares.  The majority of plantings are devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), followed by Merlot (22%), Cabernet France (4%) and Petit Verdot (4%).  The vines average 35 years of age and are harvested by hand.

2012 is quite a late vintage.  The hydric state is particularly qualitative.  In August, there was a period of heatwave but with strong differences in temperature between night and day in August and September.  This was in favour of the concentration of anthocyans and this preserved the aromatic freshness of the fruit.  The grapes were picked from 2nd – 17th October.

Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2012 offers a fine and expressive fruity nose with hints of pepper and blackberry fruit.  Good body, very supple on the palate and well-judged balance.  This is the second wine of Château Branaire-Ducru.

This wine can be enjoyed now or within 10 years.