Winemaker and vineyard: In the heart of Médoc, between Margaux and Pauillac, Château Branaire-Ducru is located in the Saint-Julien appellation, surrounded by the other great classified growths of this exceptional terroir. The vines are planted on a gravel soil, made up of gravels and pebbles brought by the Garonne in the Quaternary. On rounded hills, the "croupes", they dominate the Gironde estuary, the "river" as it is called in Bordeaux country. Made up of about fifteen micro-terroirs, the vineyard extends over 60 hectares, running an East-West axis on the southern part of the appellation.The vines, averaging 35 years old, extend over Quaternary gravelly-siliceous alluvial soils, making it one of the warmest terroirs in the region. Cabernet Sauvignon thus develops with perfect phenolic maturity, while Merlot finds its field of expression on clay beds. A preponderant place of 65% has been reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon. The star grape variety gives complexity, structure and power while guaranteeing fruit and freshness with an intense aromatic palette. Merlot at 28%, the good companion that brings suppleness and roundness to the wine. Cabernet Franc for 3% completes the floral note. Finally, a typical grape variety of the Médoc, the 4% of Petit Verdot enhances the most delicate blends with their spicy notes. branaire.com

Tasting: The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is a real classic, and in the fullness of time, it will likely rival or even surpass the more charming, demonstrative 2019. Unwinding in the glass with deep aromas of dark berries, cassis, loamy soil, pencil shavings and cigar smoke, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a taut, structured profile and a long, penetrating finish. The only missing ingredient here is time. robertparker.com (11.08.2022)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany a cheese board.