Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Branaire Ducru
Label Name:
 
St Julien 4eme Cru
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Julien, Médoc, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
3000ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 58%, Merlot 32%, Petit Verdot 7%, Cabernet Franc 3%
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Selected scores: James Suckling 96; Decanter 95; Wine Advocate 94; Wine Spectator 94; Vinous 93

Tasting Note
Aromas of cassis, blackberry, violet and spice; medium–full-bodied with vibrant acidity, fine grainy tannins, mineral lift and a long, savory finish. Needs time to open but shows classic Saint-Julien poise.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, rib-eye, beef short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi or galbi), char siu, Szechuan beef, braised short ribs with soy and star anise.

Production Method
Hand-harvested, vinified parcel-by-parcel in stainless steel/concrete tanks, malolactic fermentation, aged ~18 months in French oak (c.60% new).

Vineyard Info
Château Branaire-Ducru, a 4ème Cru Classé in Saint-Julien, owned by the Maroteaux/Borie family; ~50 ha planted largely to Cabernet Sauvignon; modernized cellars and gravity-led facilities.