Chateau Branaire-Ducru 2018

Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Bordering the Château Beychevelle, the Branaire-Ducru estate extends over a 50-hectare parcel located on Quaternary gravel land. The Chateau which has been known since the 17th century and was elevated to the rank of 4ème Cru in 1855 is considered one of the most important in the Saint-Julien wine area. The modern cellar is equipped with gravity systems (without pumping), which guarantee the preservation of the integrity of the fruit. Château Branaire-Ducru is a classic Bordeaux blend with a majority of Cabernet-Sauvignon, with additions of Merlot, Petit-Verdot, and Cabernet-Franc. The grapes come from plants that have an average age of 35 years (with some that are even more than 100 years old), planted on gravelly-siliceous Quaternary alluvial soil, recognized as one of the warmest terroirs in the region, which is particularly favorable for the development of late ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine reveals a deep and intense red color with garnet hues. Its aromatic profile is fresh and complex with notes of ripe red fruit and some spicy and chocolate hints. On the palate, it is solid, powerful, and meaty but also well-balanced. It is a fresh and mature wine, dense and refreshing that goes very well with grilled red meats.