2000 Château Branaire-Ducru

The 2000 Branaire Ducru was picked September 25 to October 10 at 12.7° alcohol. It has a similar bouquet to my previous bottle, unfolding discreetly in the glass to reveal cedar-infused red fruit, while hints of dried blood/meat juices evolve with aeration. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and old-school, offering frayed tannins, noticeable acidity and tobacco and black pepper on the finish, which lacks grip compared to other bottles. Decanting would certainly benefit this wine.

The 2000 Branaire-Ducru has an attractive earthy bouquet with touches of cedar and oyster shell, well defined and perhaps with more horsepower than the 2001. It still feels youthful. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, blackberry, cedar, sage and a touch of black olive developing with time. Then halfway through it takes its foot off the accelerator and becomes much more elegant, to wit, a Saint-Julien with “gentle swagger”. This comes recommended and whilst you could drink it now, it will benefit from two or three more years in bottle. Tasted at the Branaire-Ducru dinner.

A beautiful wine from Branaire, the 2000 is close to full maturity, and should offer plenty of pleasure over the next 15-20 years. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by scents of boysenberries, black currants, and spring flowers. This medium to full-bodied, pure St.-Julien hits the palate with authority, displaying silky tannins as well as wonderful richness, depth, and texture.