2005 - Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien

Floral nuances combined with lots of mulberry, raspberry and sweet blackcurrant fruit are followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, textured, complex wine with soft tannin. It should drink well relatively early on (2-3 years) and last 15 or more.

The 2005 Branaire Ducru has a cohesive bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, iris flower and cedar scents plus a light touch of pencil shavings in the background. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine structure, good density (in an era when that was not always the case apropos this estate) and gentle grip on the sapid, slightly ferrous finish. This is inching its way to its peak but I suspect it will remain there for a number of years. Tasted at the château.

I've had some bottle variation with this vintage of Branaire, and this bottle is a little subdued. There is clearly plenty of ripe fruits on display, but also tobacco, dried roses, soy, earth, clear tertiary notes. It is charming, with subtle and sappy balance, but very much in its drinking window. Patrick Maroteaux owner at the time.

Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Sweet and relatively simple on the nose. Charming but not subtle. Chunky tannins. Dry finish. (JR)