This estate has produced an impressive wine for the vintage. It balances acidity, tarry wood flavors and ripe black-berry fruits. Initially it is still showing its structure more than fruit, although this will even out as it matures. Drink from 2020. — R.V.

The dense ruby/purple-colored 2013 Branaire Ducru reveals a floral, blueberry and raspberry-scented nose that leans toward the bluer/redder fruit spectrum indicative of a cooler year. The tannins are sweet; the wine is medium-bodied; and the texture is impressive in this pure, long effort. It should drink well for 10-12 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (WA92-90)

The 2013 Branaire-Ducru is medium garnet in color, with a touch of brick. It offers fragrant notes of redcurrant jelly, dried mulberries, and fruitcake, with hints of dried roses, star anise, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate features vibrant red berry and floral layers, with a lively backbone and grainy tannins, finishing with a real skip in its step.

Soft and gentle, a little austere on the palate, the oak and spices sticking out above the graceful texture. Well handled, the tannins though a little rough feel integrated and there is fruit - blackcurrant and black plum with creamy edges that are nicely satisfying with lots of freshness. I like the acidity and strawberry juiciness which is sharp but puts the wine in focus, it just lacks some plumpness and is marked by a high medicinal, eucalyptus and clove edge which lingers on the tongue. In the vertical it's the weakest, but there are virtues nonetheless and you can tell it's been carefully made.