2022 Branaire-Ducru
The Wine Advocate
RP 96
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Release Price: NA
Drink Date: 2027 - 2055
The 2022 Branaire-Ducru has turned out just as brilliantly as I had hoped. Offering up a deep bouquet of crème de cassis and blackberries mingled with pencil shavings, burning embers and cigar box, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and unctuous, with a rich core of fruit, lively acids and sweet structuring tannins. Iterated and complete, it concludes with a long, broad finish. This blend of 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot is worth a special effort to seek out.
Published: Mar 07, 2025
1981 Branaire-Ducru
Rating 85 points
Release Price NA
Drink Date 1984
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 1st Jan 1998
Source Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition, The Wine Advocate
Somewhat understated in personality, the 1981 Branaire is quite successful, but forward, precociously supple, and fruity. The bouquet is already showing expansive, complex, chocolatey, cedary components. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84.
1983 Branaire-Ducru
Rating 84 points
Release Price NA
Drink Date 1984
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 1st Jan 1998
Source Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition, The Wine Advocate
Somewhat soft for Branaire, with a medium-weight texture and relatively lush fruit, the 1983 is a moderately tannic, compact wine that is similar to the 1981 Branaire only less elegant and charming. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 6/84.
1986 Branaire-Ducru
Rating 88 points
Release Price NA
Drink Date 2003 - 2010
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 1st Jan 2003
Source Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition, The Wine Advocate
Tannins are likely to always dominate this vintage for Branaire. Dark garnet with an attractive bouquet of earth, minerals, cedar, spice, and currants, this wine remains firm and structured. Cedar, graphite, red currants, and mineral flavors are present in its medium-bodied presentation on the palate. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. Last tasted, 3/02.
1991 Branaire-Ducru
Rating 85 points
Release Price NA
Drink Date 1994 - 1999
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 1st Jan 1998
Source Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition, The Wine Advocate
I admire the charm, elegance, and sweet ripe fruit of Branaire's 1991. It is an elegant, stylish wine with adequate ripeness, medium body, a soft, velvety texture, and fine balance. Already delicious, it will drink well for 4-5 years. Last tasted 1/94
1992 Branaire-Ducru
Rating 82 points
Release Price NA
Drink Date 1992 - 1998
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 1st Jan 1998
Source Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition, The Wine Advocate
A spicy, light, vaguely fruity nose is followed by some evidence of ripe fruit, medium body, and low tannin. The wine delivers some oak-tinge, ripe berry/curranty fruit in a soft, easy-going style. Drink it during its first 4-6 years of life as a picnic or luncheon wine. Last tasted 11/94
1993 Branaire-Ducru
Rating 84 points
Release Price NA
Drink Date 1997 - 2006
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 1st Jan 1998
Source Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition, The Wine Advocate
This medium-bodied wine offers spicy, tea-like aromas, diluted, austere flavors, and enough tannin in the finish to make the wine's balance suspect. Anticipated maturity: now-2006. Last tasted 1/97