Scroll down to continue “As wine producers, our greatest delight is giving Bordeaux wine lovers a lot of enjoyment.”
Patrick Maroteaux
Both by the same author
The “House Signature”
The Branaire-Ducru style is first and foremost a “House Signature”. The three key ingredients are fruit, freshness and elegance. They define the core, the guiding framework that can be found in all the Château’s wines. As soon as he had bought the property, Patrick Maroteaux said he wanted to produce wines characteristic of Saint-Julien with a uniqueness that would distinguish them as one of the greats.
Branaire-Ducru
VintagesDuluc de Branaire-Ducru
Vintages
The original Grand Cru wine of the Château. It is not the work of a lifetime, but that resulting from the continuous passion of several families over several generations.
It has become increasingly refined over the years and is now recognised as one of the major wines in Saint-Julien, thanks to its unique characteristics, the “House Signature”, so easily distinguishable amongst many others.
The Branaire-Ducru style applies to all vintages, artfully and patiently crafted by enthusiastic winegrowers, who have no doubt about the importance of their legacy and respect for the Terroir.
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Branaire 1928
1928
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
The archives for 1928 speak of a dry year with hot days and cool nights in summer. These are ideal conditions for making great wine, preserving aromatic freshness and ensuring excellent ageing potential.
This nearly 100-year-old vintage is still amazingly young and does not lose its vigour in the glass. Very long and abundant aromas, highlighted by real hints of fruit. Seeing its very intense, deep colour, it could be mistaken for being 50 years younger!
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Branaire 1961
1961
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
A rainy year until August with very hot days, continuing into September allowed the vines to express their full potential. Flowering began very early and there was a late frost. Harvesting took place in perfect conditions. However, the volumes of wine were small.
The 1961 is still as expressive today with clear hints of very ripe fruit. It is very dense on the palate; its tannins are extremely mellow and especially elegant. Branaire-Ducru 1961 is very long and multi-layered. A unique opportunity.
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Branaire 1966
1966
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
This year was blessed by the gods with beautiful weather and no anger or excess. The first flowers appeared in May. The wonderful summer gave great hope for a wine of quality. In September, the vines were dried by easterly winds, which was perfect. The harvest was however late, because of rain showers testing the growers’ nerves.
This wine has fully blossomed today and is really at its height. It is multi-layered and very supple with the usual outstanding freshness on the palate. Its mellowed tannins make it one of the great Branaire-Ducru vintages.
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Branaire 1982
1982
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
A drought year. Bad for crops, but beneficial for vines. Some concerning frost episodes on 10th May, but nothing serious. The vines were magnificent in July with quality fruit in good quantity thanks to some welcome showers. In September, the conditions for the harvest were remarkable. A great vintage seemed likely, and it definitely was.
The wine has a lovely brilliance, it is subtle and astonishingly long, and has amazing aromatic complexity. It is smooth, stamped with great refinement and fruit, again and again! Branaire-Ducru 1982 matures very slowly; every year is a revelation.
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Branaire 1989
1989
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
After a worrying start to the year with constant risks of frost, the vine flourished rapidly from May onwards. June and July were very hot, and the grapes swelled. The harvest was one of the earliest in the area, starting on 31st August at Branaire-Ducru. Everyone was happy and optimistic about the vintage, which would be one to remember. We are certain of it now.
Branaire-Ducru 1989 is still as fresh today with an explosion of fruit. Its colour is intense, it is very long and has very perceptible tannins. It is above all a keeping wine. Remember to let it breathe before tasting it, which is especially good for it.
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Branaire 1996
1996
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
The weather reports announced, “a heatwave in June. Very fine weather in July with cool nights. Still sunshine, but regular showers”. In September, the fine weather continued without a drop of rain in three weeks. The Indian summer would give this vintage its reputation.
Sheer delight, an archetypal great wine, very elegant and easy to drink. A dense wine with lovely complexity on the nose dominated by spicy tones. Its colour is also still as magnificent. It is a great Saint-Julien with lots of freshness; no doubt!
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Branaire 2000
2000
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
A very tricky year with unstable weather and an especially wet spring. The vines developed fast and luckily, the sun returned in May and stayed on in June. Very hot, dry spells in July and August reassured the growers. In September, the summer heat was ideal for harvesting.
Branaire-Ducru 2000 shows itself in all its complexity. Fresh, intense colour, generous with its aromas, it plays on its elegance and exception. Lots of spicy notes. This is a big wine, still very young, still firm with a keeping potential of several decades.
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Branaire 2005
2005
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
What people most remember about this year is obviously the drought. The vines were in great danger of being damaged by it, but storms occurred just at the right time to let the vines flourish and the fruit to ripen and gain concentration. With alternating warm and cool episodes, the vines developed magnificently until the harvest in September and October.
The vintage displays a spicy nose and superb balance on the palate, lovely length and pleasing smoothness. Still extremely fresh, with its elegance and multiple layers, this wine is destined to enjoy a truly great future.
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Branaire 2006
2006
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
Very rainy start to the year, clement spring, hot summer, very hot. These were ideal conditions to perfect another great vintage. The grapes ripened rapidly at the beginning of September. Showers as children returned to school could have spoiled the story, but the vines had already won the game.
This vintage is just beginning to open up with a nose that is still a little closed, and tight tannins. It is very fresh and has lovely fruit on the nose. It absolutely must be allowed to breathe before being served. Then the magic happens. It needs a little while to show itself, but its potential is immense.
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Branaire 2007
2007
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
The sun was shy in spring and slowed vine growth down. Summer temperatures also left a lot to be desired. The growers were hoping for a miracle. It came in September with very dry, sunny weather that lasted. The fruit finally ripened fully.
It is still fresh and fully open on the nose, still young, very supple and very accessible. It is perfect for drinking now but can also be forgotten in the cellar for a number of years.
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Branaire 2008
2008
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
A cool, wet spring appeared to announce a late vintage. But with wine, weather decides everything. The weather was superb until 20th August and the vines made the most of it. The end-of-summer storms disturbed this fine schedule and growers grew anxious. Fortunately, dry weather returned and lasted until the harvest, enabling tannins and aromas to be profoundly enhanced.
The 2008 displays a classic mocha nose that is already open. Lovely attack, smooth, fresh and beautiful length. Its tannins help build its structure, while its ripe fruit and spicy aromas are promising.
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Branaire 2009
2009
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
All in all, a “normal” year with no surprises, except that caused by the great quality of the vintage! In September, after some much-awaited showers and ideally dry weather, harvesting started on 22nd in the best conditions at Château Branaire-Ducru. The fruit was perfect.
The 2009 is very complex, lush and is slowly beginning to open today. It displays black berry aromas on the nose with nicely balanced tannins. Spicy notes add to the enjoyment. The magic is starting to work.
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Branaire 2010
2010
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
A hot summer, but not to the extreme. 2010 was just like 2009. Thank goodness! It was drier, which reduced the size of the grapes and yields. In September, alternating hot and cool periods stimulated fruit quality through better ripening and tannin development.
While its nose is still a little closed, the 2010 has a lovely full, frank attack. It reveals pleasant red fruit notes and once it has been allowed to breathe, it displays multiple layers and lovely freshness. It has impressive length, but still deserves to wait.
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Branaire 2011
2011
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
Spring suddenly arrived and kick-started the vines. Warm, dry weather were already on us, and it benefitted the fruit. Rare showers were welcome in summer. A warmer autumn and the lack of water made for well-ripened grapes. Harvesting began early with the last picking at the estate on 29th September.
The 2011 is very silky on the palate and has especially elegant structure. It is very expressive, sharp and pure. The nose is open with lovely hints of black berries and spice. Already really enjoyable.
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Branaire 2012
2012
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
After a cold, dry winter and a cool spring, the vines were reluctant to wake up and bud burst was only observed on 10th April. Summer set in at the end of July and the weather was dry until the end of September. From then on, warm days and cool nights finished the job off nicely. The harvest was late and spread out up to 17th October.
This wine features very subtle tannins, spice in the middle and lovely length. Its ruby colour is also of great appeal with this vintage, as well as its dense structure and very soft mouthfeel.
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Branaire 2013
2013
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
It was consistently cold and wet until June, so nothing to write home about . Nature appeared to try to make up for its tantrums by offering an especially hot and dry summer, which the vines loved. We harvested late in between showers.
The wine displays lovely clear-cut aromas of subtle fruit. Nice balance on the palate with moreish fleshiness and elegant tannins. This is very definitely our “House Signature” in terms of purity of the fruit, freshness and elegance.
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Branaire 2014
2014
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
Bud burst came two weeks early that year as a result of a mild winter. Summer arrived after a very wet spring. The hot weather continued into September with temperatures higher than average.
Branaire-Ducru 2014 has an expressive, abundant nose of well-ripened fruit, while maintaining its rightful freshness. It is fleshy on the palate from the attack onwards and it develops lingeringly with dense substance.
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Branaire 2015
2015
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
The vines flourished without pressure and in time with a regular surprise-free year. The dry summer contributed to the formation of tannin-packed skins and beneficial development of the pips. Showers appeared at the end of July. Harvesting took place in good conditions despite a shower during picking, which will change nothing except the growers’ mood.
Everyone agrees that Branaire-Ducru 2015 is one of the best-grown and -made vintages in the last thirty years with precise, subtle tannins that are a benchmark. It has impressive aromatic complexity and purity on its very expressive, fruity nose. On the palate, it is packed with flavour supported by lovely acidity.
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Branaire 2016
2016
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
For the legendary 2016 vintage, the vines were awoken by a fresh, wet spring. They flowered during a dry, sunny start to the summer. There was very little rain that summer, so all the conditions were perfect to produce colour in the grapes, enrich them and slowly refine the tannins. Showers at the end of the season finished off ripening just in time for the harvest!
Branaire-Ducru 2016 displays very deep colour, a very expressive, multi-layered nose of well-ripened fruit and lovely freshness. It is fleshy on the palate from the attack onwards, with extremely elegant, very dense tannins. The finish is long and very precise. This vintage combines outstanding density and remarkable elegance, making it one of the most exclusive years at the property.
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Branaire 2017
2017
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
The season began with a sharp winter that gradually grew milder, enabling an early yet uniform bud burst. However, winter had not finished, and frost hit some of the parcels to the West of the estate. Spring was kinder and announced an early vintage. The promise was kept and picking began early, coming to an end on 4th October.
Branaire-Ducru 2017 has a lovely character. Its expressive nose reveals harmonious multiple layers of fruit. From the attack, the palate opens up to a tight structure of very elegant tannins. It is fresh absolutely everywhere, right through to its astonishingly long finish. 2017 is loyal to the “House Signature” and in the line of very great vintages.
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Branaire 2018
2018
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
Winter and spring saw plenty of rain, enabling the ground to increase its water content. The risk of powdery mildew was exceptionally high and required great attention. Bud burst was quite late, but uniform, followed by flowering in good conditions. Then followed the complete opposite with a hot, very dry summer. 2018 was to be one of the earliest on record.
Lovely multiple layers of well-ripened fruit, nicely balanced by fresher hints on this very expressive nose. On breathing it grows in intensity. The effects of ageing contribute beautifully to the whole. Immediately very round on the attack, impressively big, but with extremely fine tannins. It develops with lovely consistency, revealing a very sophisticated deep fleshiness and density. Its aromatic complexity and lovely acidity carry through the whole experience, which ends with delightful long fruit.
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Branaire 2019
2019
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
Following a mild Winter, an early and uniform budburst appeared across the vines. In Spring, the weather was cool and damp and the vine growth slow. From the beginning of the Summer, the situation changed completely: with above-average temperatures, the vines made up for the delay. Throughout the Summer, significant hydric stress set in, comparable to that seen in 2009, and intensified all the way up to the harvest, producing perfect ripening of the phenolic compounds in the berries. The harvest began on September 19th with the very early Merlot, rich and concentrated, with good acidity.
Rich, intense colour. An expressive nose, a sophisticated combination of pure black and red fruits. The palate is wonderfully smooth with powerful intensity, maintaining its fineness and elegance. A beautiful acidity, propelling the wine on a long finish.
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Branaire 2020
2020
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
The winter of 2019-2020 was exceptionally rainy, leading to a complete replenishment of the soils’ water reserves. The vines budded early and uniformly, 10 days sooner than average, thanks to the mild temperatures. The mild and wet spring was favourable to mildew, which required special attention. The flowering benefited from a short, warm and dry period: the fruit set was ideal. From June, 19th onwards, dry conditions set in, but they remained cool until mid-July. The summer temperatures were then significantly warme leading to a progressive, high level of water stress in the vineyard. These conditions help form a good build-up of anthocyanins and tannins in the berries, as well as the development of varietal aromas. At the beginning of September, the high temperatures were very favourable to phenolic ripening, which will be particularly successful.
At the tasting, Branaire-Ducru 2020 is deep in colour. A very expressive nose of lovely, ripe fruits. After some aeration in the glass, it offers fine, spicy notes and an overall freshness. The palate is very well balanced. Fleshy and yet delicately smooth, with elegant tannins. A long and impressive finish. From beginning to end, the tasting unfolds with a beautiful sense of harmony.
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Branaire 2021
2021
Legendary
Château Branaire-Ducru
2021 began with a very mild and particularly wet winter. Early and regular bud-break was followed by three frosts at the end of April, which gave us cause for concern, but only caused localised damage. The cool, wet spring delayed flowering, which finally took place with favourable temperatures and strong vine growth. The early summer was cool, and the development of mildew was closely monitored, causing local crop losses in some Merlot plots. From 10 August onwards, the summer was dry but not very hot: ripening progressed slowly, with the grapes concentrating only a reasonable amount of sugar and retaining a good level of acidity. In mid-September, the vineyards were regularly showered until the end of the month. The grapes swelled and ripening slowed down.
The wines are less powerful than the previous three vintages but have a good structure and balance. The purity of the fruit is not impaired by any hint of under-ripeness and offers a beautiful classical style. Good structure on the palate, offering lovely Cabernets that have matured very gradually in this classic vintage with a more Atlantic feel. A nice acidity underpins the harmonious fi nish.
See the fact sheet and press notesSame family, different character. While still elegant as needs must, Duluc de Branaire-Ducru offers more fun and is louder, while still seeking excellence and purity.
This wine can be enjoyed even at its youngest. Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is well-bred and of good character but can also be laid down and will never be offended by being forgotten in your cellar.
And the unique touch of the Branaire-Ducru home style can still be recognised in it, and this is no accident.
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Duluc 2008
2008
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
After a cool, wet spring, summer kicked off superbly, but storms at the end of August clouded the mood. Dry weather returned before the harvest allowing growers to rest easy. 2008 was set to be a year with a late harvest, enabling the grapes to ripen to their full potential.
The vintage revealed itself that year after twelve months’ ageing in oak barrels. Its nose is open with lots of freshness. It is supple, with lovely vigour and attractive sinew on the palate. Ready to be enjoyed, but there is no rush.
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Duluc 2009
2009
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
The vines woke late because the winter went on and on. Fortunately, summer was good and hot. As schools started back, small showers were beneficial for the developing tannins. The harvest was organised between the end of September and beginning of October.
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2009 displays generosity and opulence with well-ripened fruit on the nose. It is fleshy and dense on the palate, appeals to the senses and is very enjoyable from now on.
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Duluc 2010
2010
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
The weather in 2010 was very similar to the previous year. Slightly cool temperatures in spring and a good hot summer, but nothing extreme. Moderate rain in autumn. Growers were unworried. The last fruit was harvested on 14th October.
This vintage is still very fresh and is distinctive due to its multiple aromatic layers with dominant spice and black fruit notes, and its dark colour. Its structure remains very young, very enjoyable. Like any great wine it deserves to wait a little to reveal its potential, while allowing it to breathe does it a lot of good.
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Duluc 2011
2011
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
The unusually warm spring woke the vines before time. Rain became very infrequent, and growers feverishly awaited it throughout the summer until autumn, in vain. This explains the early harvest that year. The moderate temperatures of summer would nevertheless make it possible to craft a subtle vintage thanks to perfectly ripe fruit.
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2011 displays a quite tight structure. Today, the aromas are beginning to open. Hints of mocha and very ripe black berries can be clearly distinguished. This is a fine vintage that deserves more attention from connoisseurs and professionals.
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Duluc 2012
2012
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
No rest for the growers: nature calls the shots and people make do. Cold weather engulfed the vineyards in winter and spring. Flowering took time to flourish, but from then up to the harvest, the summer turned out to be nice and dry with alternating hot days and cool nights. Some showers disturbed the harvest, but it was nothing serious.
2012 is a vintage packed with fruit with very silky tannins. It is very supple and has subtle structure. This vintage can be enjoyed now, even though it can of course stay in the cellar for many more years.
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Duluc 2013
2013
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
It was consistently cold and wet until June, so nothing to write home about . Nature appeared to try to make up for its tantrums by offering an especially hot and dry summer, which the vines loved. We harvested late in between showers.
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2013 has a nose of subtle, expressive fruit. It is smooth on the palate and displays all the charm of the 2013 vintage. Its well-crafted structure and balance will make it even more enjoyable to drink in the coming ten years.
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Duluc 2014
2014
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
The mild winter woke the vines early and the buds burst two weeks ahead of the usual time on average. However, spring was wet and delayed flowering, but stimulated vine growth and the development of great leaf cover. Temperatures rose suddenly in August and lasted during the following month, which helped to ripen the tannins marvellously.
The 2014 has gorgeous well-ripened red fruit on the nose with subtle spicy hints. It is fleshy on the palate, lovely and sharp and has chewy tannins. Very enjoyable length with fresh fruit on the finish.
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Duluc 2015
2015
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
Winter ended with harsh weather, followed by a period mid-season with no rain that was ideal for flowering in mild temperatures. Summer was especially hot and dry, and the tannin-packed grapes underwent a rapid, uniform ripening onset (veraison). Harvest time included some rainy days.
The 2015 vintage has an expressive nose of ripe red fruit, enhanced by floral notes and a hint of toast. On the palate, it develops subtle structure that is enjoyably supple. It displays palpable layers of fruit sensations, coupled with an amazingly fresh feel. It is ready now and features a beautifully pure finish.
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Duluc 2016
2016
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
For the legendary 2016 vintage, the vines awoke to a cool, wet spring. They flowered at the beginning of the summer that was dry and sunny. There was very little rain that summer and the conditions were perfect to produce colour in the grapes, enrich them and slowly refine the tannins. Showers at the end of the season finished off ripening just in time for the harvest!
The nose of Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2016 displays lovely multiple layers of aromas and very subtle red fruit, and their purity is heightened by elegant floral notes. After being allowed to breathe, it is subtly enriched by spicier notes and the overall impression of freshness is enhanced. On the palate, the attack is immediately very round, followed by a wonderful fleshy feel and already enjoyable smoothness. It goes on to reveal a very elegant tannic structure. Lovely sharpness on the long, aromatic finish.
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Duluc 2017
2017
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
The season began with a sharp winter that gradually grew milder, enabling an early yet uniform bud burst. However, winter had not finished, and frost hit some of the parcels to the West of the estate. Spring was kinder and announced an early vintage. The promise was kept and picking began early, coming to an end on 4th October.
The 2017 vintage is fruity, fresh and pure on the nose. The attack is also especially fruity. The wine develops a lovely smoothness and an outburst of aromas. It is appealing with mellow, silky tannins.
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Duluc 2018
2018
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
Winter and spring saw plenty of rain, enabling the ground to increase its water content. The risk of powdery mildew was exceptionally high and required great attention. Bud burst was quite late, but uniform, followed by flowering in good conditions. Then followed the complete opposite with a hot, very dry summer. 2018 was to be one of the earliest on record.
The wine shows deep color. The nose is already expressive and complex, it develops over a ripe fruit, enhanced by fine spices. Pleasing fresh notes on the aeration give a beautiful dynamic to the whole. On the palate the attack is very round, typical of a year with beautiful maturity. Some discreet aging notes bring today spicy hints. The mouth is developing gently showing a nice acidity that supports a beautiful structure. The finale is very vivid and shows a pleasant fresh length.
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Duluc 2019
2019
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
2021 began with a very mild and particularly wet winter. Early and regular bud-break was followed by three frosts at the end of April, which gave us cause for concern, but only caused localised damage. The cool, wet spring delayed flowering, which finally took place with favourable temperatures and strong vine growth. The early summer was cool, and the development of mildew was closely monitored, causing local crop losses in some Merlot plots. From 10 August onwards, the summer was dry but not very hot: ripening progressed slowly, with the grapes concentrating only a reasonable amount of sugar and retaining a good level of acidity. In mid-September, the vineyards were regularly showered until the end of the month. The grapes swelled and ripening slowed down.
The wines are less powerful than the previous three vintages but have a good structure and balance. The purity of the fruit is not impaired by any hint of under-ripeness and offers a beautiful classical style. Good structure on the palate, offering lovely Cabernets that have matured very gradually in this classic vintage with a more Atlantic feel. A nice acidity underpins the harmonious finish.
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Duluc 2020
2020
Initiatory
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
The winter of 2019-2020, historically rainy, allowed for a complete replenishment of soil water reserves. Budburst was early, uniform, and 10 days ahead of schedule thanks to mild temperatures. The mild and rainy spring favoured mildew, requiring increased vigilance. Flowering benefited from a brief warm and dry period, and fruit set was optimal. From 19 June, conditions became dry but cool until mid-July, then significantly warmer in summer. Increasing water stress promoted the accumulation of anthocyanins and tannins, as well as the breakdown of varietal aromas. At the beginning of September, high temperatures were very favourable for complete phenolic maturation.
The nose, pure and precise, quickly opens with aeration, offering a beautiful range of black and red fruit aromas. A beautiful volume on the palate, unfurls gently and finishes with a persistent aromatic freshness. The structure, slightly tight at first, quickly melts with aeration. The tasting ends with a fine, elegant finish.
