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 great classified growths of this exceptional terroir. The vines are planted on a gravel 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 the Bordelais country. Comprising 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 blooming ground on clay beds. A predominant place of 65% has been reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon. The star grape variety provides complexity, structure and power while guaranteeing fruit and freshness with an intense aromatic palette. With 28% Merlot, 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 bring out their spicy notes in the most delicate blends. branaire.com

Tasting: Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Branaire-Ducru gives up plum preserves, baked blackcurrants, kirsch and boysenberries with hints of earth, tobacco, herbs and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh and clean with herbal sparks and a slight chew to the texture, finishing savory. robertparker.com (16.03.2020)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany a stewed chicken with Herbes de Provence.