Château Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2014 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A powerful nose with notes of cedar and spices, along with hints of pepper and creosote; less vinous than others but subtle in its tannins and finish.

About the estate:

This estate, located directly across from Château Beychevelle, was completely taken over by the Maroteaux family, who purchased it in 1988. The wine, produced from vineyards spread throughout the appellation, requires meticulous blending—a task carried out by a highly skilled team. Its consistency is exemplary, as is that of the second wine, Duluc.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

The deep color displays youthful purple highlights. Intense and refined, the bouquet features notes of blackcurrant, cherry, and spices (vanilla and licorice) imparted by 18 months of barrel aging. Round on the palate, the wine is supported by harmonious tannins with a velvety texture. A precise and well-structured wine, substantial enough to age gracefully.

About the estate:

With its Château (Directoire period) and orangery (18th century) featuring clean, simple lines, lovers of neoclassical architecture will be delighted by a visit to this beautiful estate, which stands on the hillside above Beychevelle. Composed of gravel, this terroir is of the highest quality, and its potential for wine production was recognized as early as the late 17th century, when Jean-Baptiste Braneyre purchased the estate. With a 60-hectare vineyard, the estate has been owned by the Maroteaux family since 1988, who have made significant investments to restore the property to its former glory.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

Located next to Beychevelle, the château was acquired in 1988 by a family-owned group led by Patrick Maroteaux; more than two-thirds of the approximately 50 hectares under cultivation are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and, in addition to Merlot and Cabernet Franc, include a small amount of Petit Verdot. With the help of the technical director at the time, Philippe Dalhuin, the wines have gained in density and consistency, without ever losing their soul. After leaving for Mouton Rothschild in 2003, Philippe Dalhuin was replaced by Jean-Dominique Videau—who has since kept the focus on quality. New oak, in particular, is always used sparingly.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

François-Xavier, son of the late Patrick Maroteaux, now runs this remarkable estate. Branaire-Ducru has quietly risen to the top and is now one of the Médoc’s must-visit estates. In recent years, the château has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Due to the nature of its terroir, Branaire-Ducru cannot produce a wine as full-bodied as those from the three Léovilles; it offers a different style, characterized by finesse and suppleness, while aging admirably. The most recent vintages have reached a remarkable level.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Spicy, rich, and bursting with ripe fruit, this wine has great potential. It is structured and dense, yet exudes a refined elegance. Blackberry notes dominate the tannins, creating a wine that is both concentrated and fruity. Best enjoyed starting in 2022.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This is a medium-bodied, slightly reserved wine that is anything but flashy. If you’re patient, you’ll discover that it has plenty of subtlety and sophistication.

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

A wine that appears slightly less dense than others, but is elegant and well-structured, though it is not yet fully expressed at this stage—which is not a flaw. It exudes purity and integrity. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. It will age well over time.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Purplish-red. A fruity and spicy bouquet with elegant notes of cinnamon, licorice, and a hint of caramel. Upon aeration, the fruit reveals itself subtly with hints of black berries. A rich and creamy attack. On the palate, the wine is elegant and balanced. It features subtle tannins that emerge on the finish, lending the wine a lovely depth. Only the fruit intensity is still somewhat restrained, but given the wine’s body, this is merely a matter of time. 2022–2042

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

A beautiful, deep, intense color. A very aromatic nose, with fresh, ripe fruit. The palate is sleek and smooth from the first sip, flavorful and delicately rich in the mid-palate. It develops beautifully into a long finish without any harsh tannins. It’s very good.