The 2001 Branaire-Ducru is turning into an impressive wine. It has a refined bouquet with cedar and a touch of iodine that gradually evokes images of Margaux with time. There is intensity locked in here, but it is kept under control. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, good density but surprisingly backward, more so than the millennial vintage. But it feels very harmonious and there are wonderful black cherry and crushed strawberry notes laced with tobacco on the long finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Branaire-Ducru dinner.

This is a deep red/purple-colored, stylish, sexy concoction of raspberries, graphite, smoke, minerals, and flowers. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless St.-Julien displaying velvety tannin, medium body, and sweet, concentrated fruit in a stylish, well-constructed, elegant style. The tannin is unobtrusive and well-integrated. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.

Drink 2008-2015
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

This is a deep red/purple-colored, stylish, sexy concoction of raspberries, graphite, smoke, minerals, and flowers. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless St.-Julien displaying velvety tannin, medium body, and sweet, concentrated fruit in a stylish, well-constructed, elegant style. The tannin is unobtrusive and well-integrated. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.

(75% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc; 3.77 pH; 13% alcohol): Good full ruby-red with a pale rim. Aromas of cassis and aromatic herbs are complicated by strong nuances of truffle and minerals. Dense, juicy and suave, displaying very pure, persistent flavors of cassis, gunflint, cedar and sweet spices. This wine really impresses with to its impeccable balance and sneaky concentration. It's drinking perfectly now, but also has the structure and acid spine to age effortlessly another 20 years. The grapes were harvested later than usual, between October 1 and 14.

Ruby-red. Aromas of roasted plum, tobacco, chocolate and smoky oak. Suave and vinous, with lively acidity giving the wine excellent balance. Not especially powerful but a lovely, classic midweight.