This 2018 Branaire-Ducru, a Bordeaux blend hailing from the renowned St Julien region of France, is a red wine of remarkable character and depth. The wine, produced by Branaire-Ducru, carries an impressive alcohol content of 14.5%, and features a traditional cork closure. This particular vintage has received glowing reviews from a multitude of respected wine critics, highlighting its undeniable quality and potential for longevity.
The 2018 Branaire-Ducru presents itself in a vibrant, medium to deep garnet-purple hue, a testament to its intensity. On the nose, it is expressive and upfront, with an enticing blend of baked black plums, boysenberries, and Morello cherries, underpinned by subtle hints of dried mint, a spice box, and underbrush.
The true magic of this wine, however, lies in the tasting. It boasts a full-bodied palate, with a tight, dense center that remains somewhat elusive, hinting at an underlying seriousness and length. The palate is enveloped in a pleasant fruit wallop, featuring juicy black fruits and a firm, grainy frame that leaves a long, satisfying finish with a beautiful purity.
The tasting notes are complex and varied, ranging from very attractive aromas of currants, tile, and sandalwood to undertones of black and red currants. It also exudes a deceptively smooth texture, with dark fruits concealing a wine of great density and richness. The firm tannins lie beneath this ripeness, promising a wine that will age well, offering future concentration and depth.
This wine is bold, but beautiful. Its ripe, heady perfumed fruit on the nose is not just floral aromas, but a proper perfume, expressing wild and evocative notes. It's smooth and sleek, with silky tannins, a hefty dose of spice, and ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, and blueberry notes.
This 2018 Branaire-Ducru is a wine for the patient, with many reviewers suggesting that it will reach its prime after 2026. It is a testament to the skill and experience of the producers at Branaire-Ducru, and an excellent representation of the potential of the Bordeaux region.