The 2010 Branaire-Ducru has a lovely mélange of red and black fruit, hints of dried blood and autumn leaves suggesting that this is moving into its secondary phase. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, good body and a fresh marine-tinged finish that is an absolute joy. There is an abiding symmetry about this wine and it is in for the long-haul.

Ripe fruit, pink flowers and cinnamon spice nuances on the nose. Round and bright, chewy, chunky, but restrained too, so you get the structure and the concentration but all well handled. Mouthfilling but gently, the plush tannins offset by a cool freshness and lovely salinity. Less hot or dry spice here, more minty freshness which is so appealing. Really delicious, you get power, layers and roundness but it's still light and elegant. A great combination of density and precision. Give this a good airing if drinking soon. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2045
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle Part of Château Branaire-Ducru: producer profile

This wine is more backward than I would have normally expected, but nevertheless, it is very impressive. The 2010 Branaire-Ducru displays an inky bluish purple color and loads of mulberry, raspberry, black currant, graphite and floral notes in its intense aromatics. Medium to full-bodied , with sensational ripeness, purity, texture and length, the tannins are slightly more prominent than I remember from barrel, but they are sweet and ripe (as opposed to astringent and bitter). This beautiful wine needs 4-6 years of cellaring and should keep 25-30 years. Drink: 2017 - 2047

Producer Patrick Maroteaux continues to fine-tune and turn out a succession of brilliant wines from this chateau, which sits across the famous Medoc Route du Vin from Beychevelle.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #205 Feb 2013

(93-95 pts)
Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux has completed a decade of brilliant performances at this chateau across the Medoc’s Route de Vin from Beychevelle and a stone’s throw from Ducru Beaucaillou, St.-Pierre and Gloria. A fabulous effort, the 2010's notes of raspberry jam, black currants, crushed rocks and spring flowers are followed by a wine of impeccable purity, medium to full-bodied power, sweet tannin and stunning texture and length. With superb richness and beautiful overall equilibrium, it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for 25 or more years.

Very polished and stylish, with a velvety feel to the layers of crushed plum, currant and blackberry, while bittersweet cocoa and black licorice glide in on the gorgeous, black tea-infused finish. Features a lovely allure rather than raw power, making this possibly the prettiest St.-Julien of the vintage. There's plenty in the tank for cellaring as well. J.M.

A layered young red with lots of black olives and berries on the nose. Full body, with velvety and chewy tannins. It all comes together at the end with a lovely sweet fruit. Try after 2017.

(93-94 pts)
This is very clear and precise, with blackberry and licorice and hints of toasted oak. Full bodied, with super refined tannins and a pretty finish. It?s there. This is very classy and elegant. Tight and refined. Polished. 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5 percent Merlot. 2.5 Cabernet Franc and 4 percent Petit Verdot.

4th Growth St Julien (62% Harvest, 39h/ha, 13.8%) [70CS/23M/4PV/3CF] Dense, tight mineral dominated nose, with black fruit and new oak; rich, concentrated, fairly muscular Branaire; fresh to lively acidity and a firm but very fine tannin; plenty of vivid, ripe, black fruit, long, mineral backed, tasty, and with a fine finish of both fruit and pebbly aromas. Dense and fresh and firm and with more ‘matter’ than usual, but retaining its elegance alongside its notable richness – look at the low yield! Will take time to mellow. 2022-35+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2011]

Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Attractively complex nose on the cusp between fruit and tertiary aromas. A touch cedary. Super-fine, elegant tannins. Finesse and persistence and notable freshness. Julia Harding MW