Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2020

A Saint-Julien Second Wine marked by refinement and vibrancy

The estate

Classified Grand Cru in 1855, Château Branaire-Ducru is among the great names of the Saint-Julien appellation. Owned by François-Xavier Maroteaux, son of the late Patrick Maroteaux, and run by Jean-Dominique Videau, Château Branaire-Ducru offers, vintage after vintage, a superb expression of this great terroir on Bordeaux's left bank, with wines renowned for their elegance, velvety texture on the palate, and consistency.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Branaire-Ducru spans 60 hectares following a 10-hectare expansion in 2009. The vines, averaging 36 years of age (though some are a century old), are planted on Quaternary gravel-silica alluvial soils, recognized as one of the warmest terroirs in the Bordeaux region, allowing late-ripening grape varieties to develop while ensuring perfect phenolic maturity.

Part of the vineyard, along with the young vines, is specially dedicated to producing the Duluc de Branaire-Ducru cuvée, the Second Wine of Château Branaire-Ducru, an essential reference among the great wines of Saint-Julien.

The vintage

Despite significant rainfall, bud break was recorded ten days earlier than average thanks to the mild winter. These conditions continued into spring, leading to significant mildew pressure. After a cool, dry start to the month, July saw the arrival of warm temperatures favorable to vineyard development, before rain and storms hit in mid-August. The low rainfall and high temperatures in September were ideal for refining ripeness. The harvest, which began on September 14, revealed ripe, ideally balanced grapes.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (57%)
Merlot (36%)
Cabernet Franc (5.5%)
Petit Verdot (1.5%)

Characteristics and tasting notes for Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2020

Tasting notes

Nose
Beautifully precise, the nose reveals suave fragrances of black and red fruits.

Palate
The palate ideally combines structure and breadth. Persistent, the finish captivates with its freshness and elegance.