2015 Château Branaire Ducru

Wine Spectator - 94

This pumps lush fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture notes along, pushed by a rather polished but ample structure. Lots of anise and violet details cascade in on the finish, giving this extra aromatic dimension. Best from 2020 through 2038. 15,000 cases made.

James Suckling - 93

More open than many 2015 St.-Juliens at this stage in spite of the firm, dry tannin structure behind the bright cassis. The tannins need some integration, but with some patience (from 2021 or 2022), this will become a rather fine wine.

Robert Parker - 90-92

The 2015 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 18 September until 8 October, with two or three intervals in between. Matured in around 60% new oak (although as usual my barrel sample was from a new oak barrel), it has a high-toned, black cherry and cassis scented nose that perhaps feels a little constricted by the new wood in this sample, though not necessarily once in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, white pepper and a touch of sage, gritty tannin, foursquare and a little conservative. There is commendable weight on the finish, if not quite the precision compared to its peers. I noticed this gaining more cohesion in the glass, which bodes well for once the Branaire-Ducru is in bottle. I expect this to rest at the top of my banded score.

Decanter - 91

Gorgeous nose of cinnamon, floral-edged black fruits and chocolate. Supple and juicy with crushed velvet-textured tannins. Acidity is good giving this a 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. Not concentrated or weighty as such but a lovely frame, depth and energy.