(not yet fined) Full ruby-red. Sexy aromas of currant, chocolate, mocha and coffee. Dense, firm and sweet, with chateau-typical flavors of currant, minerals and chocolate and very good breadth. Finishes pure and fruity, with spreading tannins and lingering notes of black cherry and minerals. This makes the young 2007 seem a bit dry by comparison.

By no means comparable to their sensational 2005 or 2003, but still an outstanding wine, this singular St.-Julien always possesses notes of spring flowers, boysenberries, black currants, and graphite. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, classic Bordeaux displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as moderately high tannin. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades or more. Drink 2011-2032.
90+ points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #181, Feb 2009)

There's lots of blackberry, licorice and tar on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and plenty of fruit. Not the most complex wine, but outstanding. Best after 2014.
– JS (WineSpectator.com, March 2009)

Ruby-red. Brooding nose offers dark plum, blueberry, menthol and violet aromas. Fresh and clean in the mouth, showing dense flavors of cassis, black cherry and black pepper that persist nicely. Finishes chewy and persistent, with slightly chunky tannins, a building chocolatey nuance and very good freshness. Still young, but less exotic and chocolatey than some other vintages of Branaire-Ducru. I also don't think the tannins are as refined as those of more recent vintages.

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London.The 2006 Château Branaire-Ducru has a lifted forest floor, minty bouquet that needs to show more fruit intensity. It just lacks a little conviction. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, a little rustic compared to its peers with a grainy, quite savory finish that needs more depth. This is drinking perfectly now and I would not leave it more than several years. Tasted January 2016. Drink 2016-2032.
– eRobertParker.com, May 2016