2021 absolutely will not go into the books as one of Bordeaux’s top vintages. But therein lies some really good values to be found. This was more of a classic vintage, somewhat closer to the 2017 vintage but maybe less in overall quality. Good wines were made this vintage.
Chateau Branaire-Ducru has a very long history in Bordeaux. It all began back in 1680, when Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, saw the extraordinary potential of this stony terroir and bought a precious piece of the Beychevelle estate. His descendants, the Du Luc family, built the Château in 1824. With its neo-classical style, it has the appeal inherent in Palladian residences. The estate was then inherited by a relative, Gustave Ducru and remained in the family until 1919. For years Patrick Maroteaux was an ambassador of Bordeaux and Branaire-Ducru, presiding over the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux from 2000 to 2008, and the Saint-Julien appellation from 2004 to 2017. François-Xavier Maroteaux took over the management of the estate in 2017.
The 2021 Branaire-Ducru (OB, 94) really needs about four to five hours of air right now. It is a silky and refined effort that has marvelous gravel character and excellent weight considering the lvintage. Learn more about this great house at https://www.branaire.com and here is my review of the fantastic 2021 Chateau Branaire-Ducru
2021 Chateau Branaire-Ducru- A really beautiful wine from a tough vintage, the 2021 Branaire-Ducru needs four to five hours of air before enjoying. Comprised of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 22% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, and 5.5% Petit Verdot, with a lot of air it really opens up beautifully, offering black rose petals, wet stones, and smoky underpinnings on the nose alongside dense cassis fruits. The palate is plush and very soft and generous, as the fruit begins to really shine after those additional hours of air. Again, if opening now, don’t touch this beauty for many hours. . . and your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2025-2042- 94