Winemaker and vineyard: In the heart of the Médoc, between Margaux and Pauillac, Château Branaire-Ducru is located in the Saint-Julien appellation, surrounded by the other classified growths of this exceptional terroir. The vines are planted on gravelly soil, made up of pebbles and stones carried 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 from east to west in the southern part of the appellation. The vines, averaging 35 years of age, are spread out on Quaternary gravelly-siliceous alluvial soils, which makes it one of the warmest terroirs in the region. Cabernet Sauvignon thus develops with perfect phenolic maturation, while Merlot finds its blooming ground on clay beds. A prominent 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% Petit Verdot enhances the most delicate blends with their spicy notes.

Tasting: The 2018 Branaire-Ducru has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and an upfront, expressive nose of baked black plums, boysenberries and Morello cherries with an undercurrent of dried mint, spice box and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs a very pleasant fruit wallop, featuring juicy black fruits and a firm, grainy frame, finishing long with lovely purity. robertparker.com (03/31/2021)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany a roast lamb