Château Branaire Ducru, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2005
A big, beautiful nose with exotic fruit and green bell pepper and some floral notes; masses of fruit on the palate, pure, flamboyant raspberry juice enveloped in smooth tannins – a brilliant surprise!
critic reviews
The 2005 Branaire Ducru has a cohesive bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, iris flower and cedar scents plus a light touch of pencil shavings in the background. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine structure, good density (in an era when that was not always the case apropos this estate) and gentle grip on the sapid, slightly ferrous finish. This is inching its way to its peak but I suspect it will remain there for a number of years. Tasted at the château.
I've had some bottle variation with this vintage of Branaire, and this bottle is a little subdued. There is clearly plenty of ripe fruits on display, but also tobacco, dried roses, soy, earth, clear tertiary notes. It is charming, with subtle and sappy balance, but very much in its drinking window. Patrick Maroteaux owner at the time.