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 soil of gravel, composed 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. Composed of about fifteen micro-terroirs, the vineyard extends over 60 hectares, following an East-West axis on the southern part of the appellation. The vines, averaging 35 years old, extend over soils of Quaternary gravelly-siliceous alluvium, making it one of the hottest terroirs in the region. Cabernet Sauvignon thus develops with perfect phenolic maturity, while Merlot finds its flourishing terrain on clay beds. A predominant 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 raise their spicy notes the most delicate blends.

Tasting: The 2020 Branaire-Ducru will require more patience than the supple, sensual 2019, but it is another strong effort for this overperforming estate. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, plums, pencil shavings, petals, burning embers and discreet hints of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a concentrated core of vibrant fruit and fine but youthfully firm tannins that assert themselves on the gently chewy finish. (robertparker.com)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany a three-hour leg of lamb.