{"product_id":"chateau-branaire-ducru-saint-julien-grand-cru-classe-2015-750ml","title":"Château Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien (Grand Cru Classé) 2015 (750ml)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChateau Branaire-Ducru was originally a part of Chateau Beychevelle, but in the 17th century it split off from that estate. The name “Branaire-Ducru” is derived from Jean Baptiste Braneyre and Gustave Ducru, former owners of the estate. On the label there are 4 crowns which stand for the last 4 members of the Duluc family to have owned the estate–a marquis, a viscount, a count, and a countess. Château Branaire-Ducru is a member of the Bordeaux Union of Grands Crus, of Médoc?s Council of Crus Classés and of the Bordeaux Wine Academy. It was awarded 4th growth classification in 1855.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrape Varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit-Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVinification: Fermentation takes place in a modern, well-equipped cellar. The must and juice is fed into the cellar by gravity rather than pump to begin its fermentation process in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of about 26-28 °C. Maceration lasts about 3 weeks, a period of time determined by tastings and adapted to each tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAging: In oak barrels for 16-20 months with 60-65% new oak. The wood for the barrels is selected in various French forests according to their flavor and tannins. Traditional racking without pumping over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#33 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn attractive bouquet of red and black fruit, lovely and fresh, clear-cut and complex. Dense and round on the palate, it is powerful yet elegant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWE95\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis family-owned estate has produced a structured and dark wine with great concentration balanced by acidity and pure, creamy fruit. It is a wine with a good future. The aftertaste leaves juicy acidity and firm tannins. Drink from 2025.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWS94\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWine Spectator\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis pumps lush fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture notes along, pushed by a rather polished but ample structure. Lots of anise and violet details cascade in on the finish, giving this extra aromatic dimension. Best from 2020 through 2038.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJS93\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJames Suckling\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eQuite ripe with aromas of currants, violets, rich dark plums, dark chocolate, graphite and toasty cedary oak. Really complex. The palate has impressive polish and depth. Very supple and smooth tannins, carrying long, bright flavors of plums and dark cherries. Superb. Best from 2022.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eD93\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDecanter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStepping up in terms of grip and acidity, this really does pull you along through the palate, while bristling tannins hold things together. This majors on control and well-drawn cassis and bilberry fruits. It needs to soften, but should really go the distance. A fine and classic St-Julien. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRP90\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRobert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMedium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Branaire-Ducru has an earthy nose over a core of red and black currants with hints of tapenade, pencil shavings and sage. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough fruit and a lively finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Branaire-Ducru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43202762277088,"sku":"112149","price":95.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/products\/chateau-branaire-ducru-saint-julien-grand-cru-classe_1.jpg?v=1663883929","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/chateau-branaire-ducru-saint-julien-grand-cru-classe-2015-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}