Branaire-Ducru 2021 is a refined Saint-Julien Grand Cru praised for its elegant and expressive style, showing the hallmark finesse of the estate. It offers aromas of dark berries, plums, menthol, violets, and baking chocolate, with a medium to full body and a supple, velvety texture. Critics highlight its bright acidity, smooth tannins, and precise fruit expression, making it approachable now but built for long-term aging through 2048 and beyond. The blend consists of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, and 5.5% Petit Verdot, crafted with passion and respect for its terroir to uphold the “House Signature” style.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Feb 8, 2024
Drink: 2025-2041

The 2021 Branaire-Ducru has realized all the potential it showed en primeur. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, menthol, violets and baking chocolate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and suave, with a velvety attack that segues into a deep, fleshy palate. This is especially impressive in the context of the vintage.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Apr 5, 2024

The plum, chocolate and orange-peel aromas and flavors are all so attractive, and the tannins are creamy and bright with a medium velvety texture and a fine finish. Nice acidity at the end. A blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 6.5% cabernet franc and 5.5% petit verdot. Very drinkable now but will be better in two or three years.

Decanter | D 94
Published: Nov 30, 2023
Drink: 2026-2048

Green peppercorns, menthol and sightly herbal aspects on the nose. Smooth and silky, a shot of bright high acidity with a balancing creamy touch to the texture. Tannins are barely there, but do give the frame which nicely carries the flavours. Really charming and fruity, great energy if not masses of weight and depth. Clean and precise fruit expression. A great effort in 2021.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16+ 
Published: Jan 29, 2025
Drink: 2030-2045

Tasted blind. Rather dull garnet. Light nose. Chunky tannins. Definitely made for the long term. But not too tart.

Branaire.com

The original Grand Cru wine of the Château. It is not the work of a lifetime, but that resulting from the continuous passion of several families over several generations.
It has become increasingly refined over the years and is now recognised as one of the major wines in Saint-Julien, thanks to its unique characteristics, the “House Signature”, so easily distinguishable amongst many others.
The Branaire-Ducru style applies to all vintages, artfully and patiently crafted by enthusiastic winegrowers, who have no doubt about the importance of their legacy and respect for the Terroir.