Chateau Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2015

In 2015, the blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in French oak, 60% new.

The 2015 Branaire Ducru is a gorgeous, totally sexy wine. Rose petal, lavender, mint, sweet red berries, and gently spiced notes give the wine much of its gracious, lilting personality. Precise and nuanced to the core, the 2015 Branaire is all class. It's easy to overlook Brainaire in the context of Saint-Julien, where most of the other important wines are much more powerful. Branaire always speaks with a hushed, discreet voice. Readers who appreciate finesse will find much to admire here. The 2015 is a wine of pure and total sensual pleasure. Don't miss it.

Drink 2020 - 2040

This is very structured and tight with chewy polished tannins and blueberry, blackberry. Full and savory. Should develop beautifully.

Gorgeous nose of cinnamon, floral-edged black fruits and chocolate. Supple and juicy with crushed velvet-textured tannins. Acidity is good, given this round and mouthfulling character. I love the soft chew to the tannins underpinning the delicate yet bright strawberry, red cherry and pink floral elements. Crunchy and alive yet layered and persistent. It is not concentrated or weighty but has a lovely frame, depth, and energy.