Château Branaire Ducru, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2017

Our first sample left us decidedly underwhelmed. Thankfully, a second encounter showed this wine’s real potential. We've been heaping praises on this Maroteaux owned chateau for a few years now, and the 2022 could be the best example yet. Opening with classical notes of cassis, creme de mûre, graphite and flowers, the palate is firm and powerful with lots of black plum, blueberries and a robe of purple fruit. Generous and ripe, there's admirable precision here backed up by detailed tannins. One to look out for. 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot