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

Deeply coloured, with ripely complex, fresh, aromas, this wine’s palate has dense fruit, superbly rounded tannins and delicious length. It was assembled from 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, harvested slowly as each ripened, between 19th September and 10th October. Owner François-Xavier Maroteaux told us: “All grapes did well this year, particularly the Merlots, compensating for having been badly frosted in 2017.” Outstanding for mid-term and longer ageing (for drinking 2025-2040+).