1996 Château Branaire-Ducru
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Branaire-Ducru is a delightful vintage and represents the pinnacle of that decade. It has an exquisite bouquet that is defined and focused: blackberry, pencil lead, tobacco and a touch of chimney soot after time. The palate is very pure with really fine tannin. There is a sense of panache and class about this 1996: detailed and utterly harmonious with hints of blue fruit towards the Margaux-like finish. Classic Branaire-Ducru. Tasted at the Branaire- Ducru dinner.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Deep crimson with some development at the rim. Low-key nose, only starting to unfurl but there is a promising amount of Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated fruit here. Not the subtlest wine but quite lip smacking and with quite a future ahead of it. (JR)
Particularly lustrous dark crimson. Sweet, beguiling toasty nose. Black cherry elements. Sweet start, not the most classic St-Julien by a long way but it should give pleasure. More developed than most. (JR)
About the producer
This Fourth Growth estate, just a stone’s throw from the wide expanse of the Gironde estuary, has been revitalised under the stewardship of former banker and businessman Patrick Maroteaux, who purchased the property in 1988.