Château Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2018 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This estate, located directly across from Château Beychevelle, has been completely revitalized by the Maroteaux family, who purchased it in 1988. The wine, produced from plots spread throughout the appellation, requires meticulous blending, a task handled by a highly skilled team. Its consistency is exemplary, as is that of the second wine, Duluc.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Almost shy in its subtle garnet hue, this magnificent Saint-Julien is distinguished by its subtle aromatic profile, featuring lovely fruity notes, with redcurrant and blackcurrant taking center stage. Soft and caressing, supported by silky, delicate tannins and superb freshness, the palate lingers into a long, velvety finish that leaves a lasting impression of a wine that is both powerful and charming. Irresistible. 2026–2040

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 complex, which stands on the hillside above Beychevelle. Composed of gravel, this is a prime terroir, whose potential for viticulture was recognized as early as the late 17th century, when Jean-Baptiste Braneyre purchased the estate. With a 60-hectare vineyard, the estate has belonged to 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 purchased 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, the vineyard includes a small amount of Petit Verdot. With the help of the technical director at the time, Philippe Dalhuin, the wines gained in density and consistency, without ever losing their soul. Having left 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 admirable 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 plays on a different register, offering more finesse and suppleness, while aging admirably. The latest vintages have reached a remarkable level.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2018 Branaire-Ducru is just as captivating as it was when first released. Its ripe, silky tannins lend the 2018 vintage a striking sensuality that only intensifies as the wine rests in the glass. Delicious notes of red and purple fruits, lavender, rose petals, mint, spices, and gravel develop over time. Even with all its natural brilliance, Branaire remains a model of elegance. It is undoubtedly one of the most underrated wines of the year. 2026–2048

James Suckling

About the wine:

Very enticing aromas of blackcurrant, biscuit, and sandalwood, with hints of redcurrant. A medium- to full-bodied wine with a dense, tight palate that lingers. Yet it reveals remarkable depth and length. Perhaps the greatest Branaire-Ducru ever produced. Best enjoyed after 2026.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

From the very first whiff, it’s clear that Branaire-Ducru didn’t aim for overripeness. The palate is crisp with black fruit, with Cabernet Sauvignon taking center stage at 58%. The superb acidity that emerges makes this 2018 Branaire-Ducru a true aging gem. We’ll be talking about it again in 20 or 30 years.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The bouquet of the 2018 Branaire unfolds delicately, step by step. I note its ability to create a harmonious balance between freshness and fullness on the nose. It is, of course, finesse that sets the tone on the palate—a defining and enduring characteristic of Branaire. The tannins, meanwhile, are firm and tight, brilliantly holding the line alongside the structure. Such precision and clarity in this wine. A great success! 2024–2048