Chateau Branaire Ducru 2015 Cru Classe, St. Julien

Chateau Branaire Ducru has a long history and was Classified in 1855 as a Fourth Growth. Today it is family-owned and exceeds its classification regularly. Modern improvements in the cellar including being one of the first producers in the Left Bank to fill tanks entirely by gravity as well as technological improvements have followed extensive work in the vineyards to make it a top performing Chateau. The terroir is deep gravel and the 150-acre vineyard is planted 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot with an average vine age of 35 years. This wine from the monumental 2015 vintage is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 95 points saying "This family-owned estate has produced a structured and dark wine with great concentration balanced by acidity and pure, creamy fruit. It is a wine with a good future. The aftertaste leaves juicy acidity and firm tannins. Drink from 2025."

Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "This pumps lush fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture notes along, pushed by a rather polished but ample structure. Lots of anise and violet details cascade in on the finish, giving this extra aromatic dimension. Best from 2020 through 2038."

James Suckling scored this 93 points saying "Quite ripe with aromas of currants, violets, rich dark plums, dark chocolate, graphite and toasty cedary oak. Really complex. The palate has impressive polish and depth. Very supple and smooth tannins, carrying long, bright flavors of plums and dark cherries. Superb. Best from 2022."

Decanter Magazine scored this 93 points saying "Stepping up in terms of grip and acidity, this really does pull you along through the palate, while bristling tannins hold things together. This majors on control and well-drawn cassis and bilberry fruits. It needs to soften, but should really go the distance. A fine and classic St-Julien. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040"