Maroon core surrounded by a light pink rim. Mint chocolate aromas surround sweet cassis and spicy candied licorice. The medium-bodied palate is full of candied raspberry fruits with a nice lingering spicy clove.
90 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate February 2009 By no means comparable to their sensational 2005 or 2003, but still an outstanding wine, this singular St.-Julien always possesses notes of spring flowers, boysenberries, black currants, and graphite. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, classic Bordeaux displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as moderately high tannin. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades or more.
92-94 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate January 2007 Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux continues to ratchet up the quality level at this impeccably run St.-Julien estate. The 2006 is similar to the 1996 Branaire, but with sweeter fruit. A deep ruby/purple hue precedes a perfumed nose of sweet boysenberries, black cherries, minerals, spring flowers, and a hint of pain grille in the background. Fresh, savory, medium to full-bodied flavors coat the palate with beautiful purity, no hard edges, ripe tannin, and intense fruit. This elegant, layered, impressive offering will be at its peak between 2012-2025.
91 points, Stephen Tanzer June 2009 Bright red-ruby. Pure, high-pitched nose offers blueberry, dark chocolate, menthol and cedary oak. Suave, sweet and serious, with lovely inner-mouth lift and energy and sneaky density of texture. Hints of pepper and herbs serve to perk up the wine. Not a particularly chocolatey style for Branaire. Finishes with a lovely light touch and plenty of structure for a leisurely evolution in bottle. 91(+?) points
90 points, Wine Spectator May 2009 There's lots of blackberry, licorice and tar on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and plenty of fruit. Not the most complex wine, but outstanding. Best after 2014. –JS
About 2006 Branaire-Ducru Bordeaux Blend
About the Winery Branaire-Ducru The long history of Chateau Branaire-Ducru coincides with that of the (usually gentlemanly) stuggle for power between the bourgeoisie and nobles for possession of land in the Médoc before the French Revolution.
Since 1988, Patrick Maroteaux and Philippe Dhalluin, respectively President and Managing Director of Branaire-Ducru, have been reviving the competition, and the wine media are sitting up and taking notice.
Branaire's many old vines and perfectly kept vineyards, some of which are newly planted, are decided strong points.
Philippe Dhalluin explains: "The very gravelly soil, as well as the high average age of the vines, account for Branaire-Ducru's low yields.
Care is taken to control the vigour of the young vines. Rather than resorting to thinning out, which we find somewhat brutal, we prefer to let grass grow between the rows in plots of young vines. This is an entirely natural way of limiting production. It also has the advantage of fighting drought conditions since vine roots must go deep down into the soil to find water, and are thus able to cope with long dry spells".
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