| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This fully mature, gorgeous 2003 Branaire Ducru possesses silky tannins, lots of cedary, spice box, floral, black cherry, forest floor and velvety leather-like notes, full body, and an opulent, complex yet elegant style. A beauty of complexity, richness and finesse, it should continue to drink well for another 5-6 years. Drink 2014-2020
Opulent aromas of blackberry, olives and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Big and muscular wine. Best after 2009. (JS)
Rather sharp with simple, if smooth - almost soft - fruit, then chewy slightly green tannins. A bit raw. (Average group score: 16.1)
Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux, president of Unions des Grands Crus Classes, is pulling out all the stops to make Branaire as alluring as several of the Leovilles and Ducru Beaucaillou. 2003 and 2004 may be the finest back-to-back vintages ever produced at Branaire. Even better than the 1982, the profound 2003 Branaire Ducru boasts a saturated plum/purple color as well as an extraordinarily complex nose of black currants, blackberries, espresso roast, white chocolate, minerals, and truffles. It displays amazing freshness and definition for such a complex, complete, and full-bodied wine. A brilliant effort in the vintage, it will undoubtedly close down in several years and need more time, but perhaps its low acidity and huge, extravagant fruit-forwardness will keep it drinking well over the next two decades. A brilliant wine!
A big sweet nose of chocolate-infused cappuccino, blackberries, and currants with some vanilla flavorings jump from the glass of this dense, saturated purple-colored wine. The wine has loads of fruit, a big, expansive, fleshy attack and mid-palate, and a long, concentrated finish with both definition and elegance. This concentrated but low-acid St.-Emilion should be delicious young yet age effortlessly for two decades. It is an impressive effort from proprietor Patrick Maroteaux, the president of the Unions des Grands Crus Classes. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.
Blackberry and currant aromas and flavours, medium bodied with good tannins. Harmonious.
Very dense with good refreshment. Fine tannins. Serious wine that has not been overdone.
