Ripe fruit, pink flowers and cinnamon spice nuances on the nose. Round and bright, chewy, chunky, but restrained too, so you get the structure and the concentration but all well handled. Mouthfilling but gently, the plush tannins offset by a cool freshness and lovely salinity. Less hot or dry spice here, more minty freshness which is so appealing. Really delicious, you get power, layers and roundness but it's still light and elegant. A great combination of density and precision. Give this a good airing if drinking soon.

Young, fresh, vibrant and a bit tight, as you would expect, yet, it is hard not to notice the soft, ripe, smooth tannins, sweet, fresh, dark red fruits, concentration of flavor and the sense of purity in the finish. Give this another 5 years and it should be showing a lot of what it has to offer. 95 Points Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2010&wine=Chateau%20Branaire-Ducru

This rich, full wine shows the chateau to be at the top of its form. It’s finely balanced, pushing both its fruit and acidity, with the tannins taking the supporting role. With its power leashed, this shows the stylish side of Saint-Julien, although it will certainly age for many years.

From a château just across the street from Beychevelle, in the southern part of Saint-Julien, the 2010 Château Branaire-Ducru is largely Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The château never seems to deliver the density and structure of Ducru-Beaucaillou (located just to the north) or the supple sexiness of Beychevelle, but it always has remarkable purity and precision, with a terrific sense of class and elegance. Still youthfully ruby-hued, it has a terrific perfume of red and black currants, freshly sharpened cedar pencils, dried flowers, and savory herbs and tobacco notes. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it stays focused and tight on the palate, with classic 2010 purity, precision, and structure that’s balanced by considerable elegance. It clearly offers pleasure today, particularly with a decant, yet I suspect it will benefit from another 4-5 years in the cellar. It should be long-lived.

Very polished and stylish, with a velvety feel to the layers of crushed plum, currant and blackberry, while bittersweet cocoa and black licorice glide in on the gorgeous, black tea-infused finish. Features a lovely allure rather than raw power, making this possibly the prettiest St.-Julien of the vintage. There's plenty in the tank for cellaring as well. Best from 2014 through 2030. – JM

66% cabernet sauvignon 28% merlot with the balance composed of small parts of cabernet franc and petit verdot. Bright notes of blackberry and black raspberry mix with aromas of cedar and a touch of mint. Grainy grippy tannins keep the fruit still tightly wound at this point. Unlike other St. Juliens this wine will need a minimum of 5-8 years to begin to open up and express itself.

Tasted at the chateau and the UGC the Branaire Ducru is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 23.5% Merlot 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot including 10% of the vin de presse. It has 13.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.53. The nose is very primal compared to other samples with high-toned dark cherries dark plum and cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tensile tannins very good acidity and precision; not a wine of dimension like Ducru Beaucaillou but I like the subtle touch of spiciness interlacing the finish. Very fine. Drink 2014-