Château Branaire-Ducru 2015, Grand Cru Classé (750 ml)

94 poena - Wine Spectator

U vlasništvu porodice Maroteaux, Chateau se vodi tzv. „3-F pravilom“, prema kojem vina uvijek moraju pokazivati finesu, voćnost i svježinu. Iako imanje proizvodi vino još od 1680-ih, pravi ugled stiče nakon klasifikacije iz 1855. godine. Vinograd se prostire na 59 hektara, smještenih na šljunkovitim brežuljcima apelacije Saint-Julien. Prosječna starost čokota održava se na 35 godina, jer se svake godine obnavlja po dva do tri hektara.

U berbi iz 2015. godine, kupaža se sastoji od 65% Cabernet Sauvignon-a, 26% Merlot-a, 5% Petit Verdot-a i 4% Cabernet Franc-a. Vino pokazuje izuzetnu čistoću, sa velikom preciznošću i zrelim taninima. Veoma je uglađeno i ostavlja sjajan utisak – upravo onakav kakav vrhunsko vino treba da ostavi: hrskavo, čisto i svježe voće (posebno kupine), izražena kiselost, svilenkasti zreli tanini i odlična ukupna ravnoteža.  Takođe pruža fenomenalnu dužinu u završetku. Zaista elegantno vino – i posebno u ovom cjenovnom rangu – ne bi trebalo da se propusti.

94 points - Wine Spectator

Owned by the Maroteaux family, the Chateau follows what family refers to as the "3-F Rule" whereby the wines must always show finesse, fruit and freshness.   While the property has been making wine since the 1680s, its real acclaim began after the classification of 1855.  The vineyard is comprised of 59 hectares and is located on the gravelly hills of the Saint-Julien appellation. The average age of the vines is always kept at 35 years, as each year two or three hectares are renewed.  

In the 2015 vintage, the blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc.  It shows real purity, with great precision and ripe tannins.  The wine is very polished and tasted wondeful, just as great wine should: crunchy, pure and fresh fruit (esp. blackberries), high acidity, silky ripe tannins and a nice overall balance. It also offers a phenomenal length on the finish. It's really elegant and - especially at this price point - should not be missed.