The 2009 Branaire-Ducru is another killer wine from this vintage that’s drinking spectacularly well at age 10. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it’s still ruby/purple color is followed by a huge nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cedar box, and even a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, broad, expansive, and layered on the palate, it builds nicely with time in the glass, has sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish. This incredible wine can be enjoyed any time over the coming 2-3 decades or more. Bravo!

A nose of inviting chocolate powder and dark fruits - very specifically aromatic, after a few minutes the soft florals and medicinal herbs come into play. Super sleek, but not round to begin with, more direct and focussed, it starts to open up after a few minutes. Tannins are well integrated and this has a vein of salty, spiciness that is persistent and direct, straight through the middle holding everything in its place. Still feels so young and tense - this hasn't hit its stride yet, still coiled but with clear elegance on show. It feels so delicate but in a powerful way. Utterly charming, sticky, sweet, juicy and spicy. A clear 'classic' hit!

Elegant, refined, fresh, pure and precise, the wine pops right from the initial sniff and sip. The freshness in the juicy sweet, ripe, earthy red fruits, with their cocoa accent hits the spot. And the long, polished, refined, silky, red berry finish just doesn't want to quit. While you can pop a cork now, I'd wait at least 3-5 years for the wine to fill out and really shine! 95 Points Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2009&wine=Chateau%20Branaire-Ducru

94+ The 2009 Branaire-Ducru has a medium to deep garnet color and reveals compelling notions of warm cassis, licorice, baked plums and hoisin with hints of sautéed herbs and pencil lead. Youthful and medium to full-bodied, it has a generous core of black fruits with a firm and grainy structure and bags of freshness, finishing long with great purity. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

65% Cabernet Sauvignon 28% Merlot 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet franc. A sweet seductive nose of raspberry and rainier cherry mixed with more subtle notes of mint and forest floor. Big firm tannins coat the palate and carry the fruit along through a big finish.

The 2009 Branaire Ducru has a somewhat conservative bouquet with cedar and graphite scented black fruit, touches of brown spice emerging with time. It never quite clicks into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly drier tannin than its peers, yet well balanced and fresh, hints of sage and bay leaf infusing the black fruit with a delightful, vivacious, quintessential Saint-Julien finish. Excellent. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting. -- Neal Martin

A ripe chewy muscular style with good cut despite the hefty tar blackberry roasted fig and singed apple wood notes. The long anise-stained finish lets the tarry edge play out though this shows a touch more finesse than some of its colleagues. Best from 2015 through 2025. -JM