Chateau Branaire-Ducru 2012 (750ml) (Fourth Growth Grand Cru Classe)

Country/Region: Bordeaux, France

Background:
The 2012 Château Branaire-Ducru is an elegant, approachable Left Bank Bordeaux from the Saint-Julien appellation. As a Fourth Growth (Quatrième Grand Cru Classé) in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, it is celebrated for its exceptional quality-to-value ratio and its classic balance of refined fruit, structure, and earthy complexity.

Winemaking:
The grapes from each parcel are fermented separately in temperature-controlled tanks of varying sizes to allow each micro-terroir to express its unique characteristics. This is followed by a prolonged steeping (maceration) process that can last up to three weeks to extract rich colors and tannins. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months.

Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Tasting note: The 2012 Brainaire-Ducru is a soft, forward but very pleasing Saint-Julien that is likely to offer its best drinking sooner rather than later. Sweet tobacco, wild flowers, mint and red-fleshed fruits find support in silky tannins that add to the wine's considerable appeal.

Food Pairing: Meat: Beef, Game, Sausages & Cheese: Blue cheese, Goat cheese

Scores:
94/100 - Wine Enthusiast
91/100 - James Suckling
90/100 - Robert Parker
90/100 - Wine Spectator
90/100 - Vinous

Award:
N/A