Château Branaire Ducru 2025, Saint-Julien
IN BOND
Delivery 2028
Appellation - St Julien
Blend : 72% Cabernet Sauvignon - 22% Merlot - 3,5% Petit Verdot 2,5% Cabernet Franc
PH : 3,58
Yield : 41,5 hl/ha
Ageing : 18 months
ABV : 13%
About the Château
Vineyard : 57 hectares
Soil : Quaternary gravel
Grape varieties : The 2025 is 62% Cabernet Sauvignnon, 26% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. 55% new oak.
TASTING NOTES
The 2025 Branaire-Ducru was cropped at 33 hl/ha, which is not too low in the context of the growing season, but the smallest since 1991. Picking was from September 4 with the early Merlots and finished September 22. The Merlot on clay soils was deemed high quality and therefore comprises a slightly higher percentage of the blend. It is aged in 60% new and 40% one-year-old barrels. This has a flattering bouquet with black plum and strawberry fruit, and a noticeable though agreeable powdered chocolate/mocha note at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, a fine bead of acidity, and hints of mocha and mint merging with black fruit. The finish is quite linear and understated, keeping within the style of the château. Very classy, this will give a lot of pleasure without too much cellaring. 13.2% alcohol.rinking Window
2030 - 2055
93/95
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2026
