Branaire Ducru St Julien 4eme Cru 2012

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Branaire Ducru
Label Name:
 
St Julien 4eme Cru
Vintage:
 
2012
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux (Médoc).
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Merlot (24%), Petit Verdot (5%), Cabernet Franc (3%).
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Enthusiast 95; James Suckling 91; Vinous (Neal Martin) 91; Wine Spectator 90; Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90; Jancis Robinson 17/20

Tasting Note
Medium-to-full bodied Saint-Julien: blackcurrant and plum with violet, bay leaf, tobacco and cedar; fine-grained, silky tannins, bright acidity and a medium-long, mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, ribeye, braised short ribs, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (barbecue pork), Korean BBQ beef, Cantonese roast meats, braised beef with soy and star anise.

Production Method
Hand-harvested, parcel vinification in temperature‑controlled stainless steel tanks, ~3-week maceration, malolactic fermentation and élevage in oak barrels (typically 12–18 months). Blending done early by plot.

Vineyard Info
Château Branaire‑Ducru, 4ème Cru Classé (1855), ~60 ha in Saint‑Julien; owned and improved under Patrick Maroteaux with gravel soils and sustainable practices.