Den første ejer af Château Branaire-Ducru etablerede slottet ved at købe et stykke jord af Château Beychevelle, som på daværende tidspunkt var ejet af den franske konge. Slottet var ejet af Louise du Luc, da det i 1855 blev klassificeret som 4. Cru i den nye klassifikation af de bedste ejendomme på Médoc.
I dag hedder ejeren Patrick Maroteaux. Han købte slottet i 1988 af familien Tari fra Château Giscours i Margaux. Siden 1991 har man på slottet skabt vinen i den nye gæringskælder, hvor vinen finder vej gennem processen ved hjælp af tyngdekraften, altså helt uden brug af pumper. Dermed undgås iltning af mosten.
Den færdige vin lagres i omkring 18 måneder på egefade, hvoraf 60% fornys hvert år.
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BEPLANTNING
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc og 3% Petit Verdot
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AREAL
60 hektar
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SLOTTETS ANDEN VIN
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru
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EJER
Patrick Maroteaux
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LINK

The 2020 Branaire-Ducru was so alluring en primeur, but is very shy today. That said, some of that youthful exuberance has given way to the characteristic Brainaire finesse. Dark red cherry, spice, grilled herbs, menthol and licorice emerge, but only with great reluctance. Sweet floral and spice notes lift the finish nicely. The 2020 is going to need the better part of a decade to come around.

This has a lovely floral lead followed quickly by a very pure and precise beam of cassis and bitter plum fruit. Shows ample structure but this is fine-grained and almost silky in feel, while subtle dark tea, savory and iron notes peek through on the lengthy finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2038. 12,000 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.

Plenty of blackberry, blueberry, lead pencil and violet aromas here that follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. So integrated and polished. Thoughtful young red. Try after 2027.