Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Branaire Ducru
Label Name:
 
St Julien 4eme Cru
Vintage:
 
2005
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Major critics (vintage 2005) — Robert Parker / Wine Advocate: ~93 (some listings report up to 95); Wine Enthusiast: 95; Wine Spectator: 92; Vinous/Neal Martin: 92–93; Jancis Robinson: ~17/20. Highly rated Saint‑Julien, excellent aging potential

Tasting Note
Blackcurrant, blackberry and violet with graphite, cedar and tobacco notes. Medium–full-bodied, ripe yet firm tannins, balanced acidity and a long, mineral finish—classic elegant Saint‑Julien expression.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, aged cheeses (Comté, cheddar). Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean galbi/bulgogi (braised or grilled beef), miso‑glazed dishes, Sichuan beef.

Production Method
Hand-harvested; temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats; partial malolactic in oak; aged ~18–24 months in French oak (c.50–65% new); gravity-fed cellar practices.

Vineyard Info
Château Branaire‑Ducru, 4ème Cru Classé (1855), ~50–60 ha in Saint‑Julien. Modernised by Patrick Maroteaux from 1988; family‑run producer of a Grand Vin and second wine (Duluc).