The 2019 Branaire-Ducru is a Bordeaux blend from the St Julien region, showcasing a remarkable balance of elegance and power. This wine has garnered high praise, with several reviewers awarding it a score of 95 or above. It is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, offering a deep garnet-purple color and a complex flavor profile.
James Suckling describes the wine as having a "very clear fruit character of blackcurrants, orange peel and spices," with "integrated, polished tannins" that reflect a "strength with finesse." He recommends giving it four to five years of bottle age before trying. Jeff Leve echoes this sentiment, noting its "elegant, fresh, soft and polished" palate with "silky tannins" and flavors of "black plums and currants with a touch of cocoa."
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it a "richly perfumed wine" with "bold tannins and dense black fruits," highlighting its potential for long-term aging due to its "juicy acidity cutting through all the richness." Jeb Dunnuck praises its "beautiful blue fruits, tobacco, damp earth, and floral notes," and refers to it as "medium to full-bodied" with "silky tannins," suggesting it will improve with additional age.
Decanter recognizes its "lifted floral notes" and "elegant" nature, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more nuanced Bordeaux. The Wine Spectator appreciates its "vivid violet and cassis" notes and "racy, structured" build, while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate describes it as "deep and layered" with "terrific concentration."
Overall, the 2019 Branaire-Ducru stands out for its quality, finesse, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts.