2009 Château Branaire-Ducru, France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien, Wine Review

This is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, with some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is a more forward style of Bordeaux, but certainly not a fruit bomb. The cork was popped about six hours prior to pouring. Purple in color with a thin ruby rim, opaque and bright. The nose is tight but very nice. Cassis, slight cigar, cedar and baking spices. Full bodied. On the palate, cassis with underlying tobacco. A bit of pencil lead comes in at the end. Long finish. This could use another decade of storage and should drink well for another fifteen to twenty after that. It drinks well on its own and would also work with a hearty (non-seafood) meal.

Grade:

Score:

Vintage:

2009

Current Price:

$125.00USD

Bordeaux First Growths: Chateau Lafite, First Amongst First Growths

Of all Bordeaux first growths, perhaps none is as well known, both inside and outside of the wine world, as Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Its name transcends wine, standing as a symbol of luxury. How did it get this lofty reputation? And, more importantly is, it deserved? The answer to the second question is a definite yes. This article will explore the first question in more detail. The History: Records of this estate stretch as far back as 1234 when Gombaud de Lafite, abbot of the Vertheuil Monastery north of Pauillac, owned the property. The name Lafite comes from "la hite", a Gascon expression meaning "small hill." Records from the 14th century indicate that it was not a vineyard, but what the French call a seigneurie. This is an estate run by a lord and others who are effectively sharecroppers. The manor house was constructed in the 1500s and still standing today. Read part one of the First Growths Series. The Ségur family bought the property in the 1600s. Jacques de Ségur planted the vineyard in 1680 although grapes were no doubt grown before that. By the early 1700s, thanks to Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, Chateau Lafite wines were very popular with those wealthy enough to afford them, first in English Society (where it was a favorite of Prime Minster Robert Walpole) and later in French society.

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1983 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru), France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien, Wine Review

Vintage:

1983

Score:

Grade:

What a treat. The cork was popped, waited ten minutes and decanted for sediment. This is classic old Bordeaux. Deep ruby in color with some bricking at the rim. The nose is great with cassis, cherries, tobacco, some funk and dried cherries. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, this is complex and delicious. Most likely past prime but not a whole lot. This bottle had been purchased on release and properly cellared. Flavors of cassis and cherries layered with dry earth and funk. Great balance. Nice finish. Drink now if you own any. A bottle like this will work with dinner but it

2005 Château Branaire-Ducru, France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien, Wine Review

Vintage:

2005

Score:

Grade:

This was popped and allowed to breathe for 20 minutes. Certainly way too early but it was quite enjoyable nevertheless. Consumed next to the 82, 83 and 09, for my tastes, this was the least great showing, but in time, will be the best wine. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, black cherries, spice and freshly turned earth. Powerful as it opens in the glass. Wonderful texture. On the palate, this is delicious if tight. Cassis, slight black cherry with a hint of minerality. Long finish. This needs another ten to twelve years and should drink well for 30 after th

2016 Château Branaire-Ducru, France, Bordeaux, St. Julien, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$65.00USD

In a recent blind tasting of 2016/2017 Bordeaux's, this and the 2017 version were my top two wines. All of the notes can be found on this site. While the tasting did not include any first growths, it does point out that this Chateau is producing outstanding wines and at reasonable prices. While today I preferred the 2017, in the long run, the 2016 is the better wine. It is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. Opaque and bright. The nose is complex with cassis, black cherries, leather, tobacco and spice

1982 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru), France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien, Wine Review

Vintage:

1982

Score:

Grade:

Spectacular showing for this wine. Opened, allowed to breathe for ten minutes then decanted for sediment and allowed to breath for another twenty minutes. Totally exceeded expectations. Deep ruby in color. The nose is everything one could want from aged Bordeaux. Cassis, black cherries, tobacco, slight leather, hints of funk and spice. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, this is complex, layered and contemplative. Layers of cassis, black cherries, funk and earth. Great balance. Long finish. More elegant than a powerhouse, but it can hold its own as well. This bottle seemed at

2009 Château Branaire-Ducru, France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien, Wine Review

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2016 Château Branaire-Ducru, France, Bordeaux, St. Julien, Wine Review

1982 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru), France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien, Wine Review