Chateau Branaire Ducru

CHATEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU liegt direkt gegenüber, etwas erhöht, von Chateau Beychevelle, mit 50 Hektar unter Reben ist es ein anständig dimensioniertes Weingut, welches im Durchschnitt etwa 20.000 Kisten produziert. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc und 3% Petit Verdot bilden die Basis des Erst- und Zweitweines. Ein guter Freund, der unglaublich sympathische und ruhige Patrick Maroteaux erwarb das Gut im Jahre 1988 und investierte Unsummen in Keller und Weinberge. Leider verstarb Patrick im November 2017 viel zu jung nach schwerer Krankheit. Er leitete lange Zeit die UGCB (Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux) und war sehr eng mit Stephan von Neipperg befreundet. Sein Sohn FRANCOIS XAVIER MAROTEAUX aber hat nunmehr die Familiengeschicke in der Hand und das mit fulminantem Erfolg. Die Familie MAROTEAUX ist nicht vom Schlag der „Mein Auto-mein Haus-mein Boot“ Charaktere. Man tritt sehr ruhig und zurückhaltend auf, ein Grund, warum viele Bordeaux-Liebhaber dieses Chateau einfach (noch) nicht auf dem Schirm haben.

91 WINE ENTHUSIAST: "New wood and high extraction are the dominant characteristics of this wine. That makes it in a modern, polished style, which will certainly evolve well, eventually arriving at something that is big and bold. Give it 4–5 years for that." 90+ THE WINEADVOCATE: "The ’04 Branaire-Ducru was promising out of barrel, but not as convincing as others. But here in bottle, this is a success for the estate in a modest vintage. The nose has blossomed in the interim, with sweet blackberry, a hint of steaming black coffee and lots of cedar. With time it develops a lovely floral note, complemented by a hint of damson. The palate is full-bodied, supple and tannic, not as foursquare as in barrel, but still assertive and keen to make an impression. That is fine because it is well defined and has lovely blackberry, briary and a hint of mocha on the finish. Great length. This could merit an even higher mark down the line, so watch this space. Drink 2012-2024. Tasted November 2008." Drink: 2012 - 2024 - Neal Martin. 90 ANTONIO GALLONI: "Dark red with a hint of amber at the rim. Enticing nose offers delicate red fruit aromas complicated by perfumed flowers and sweet spices. Bright and fresh in the mouth, with peppery red cherry, chocolate mint and mineral elements. Finishes a little simple, but with bright acidity nicely extending the intense violet and rose notes at the back. This is hardly a blockbuster, but I love its balance and perfumed personality. Great food wine." - Ian D´Agata - Mar 2014. 90 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fresh, elegant, polished and focused on the sweet, ripe, red fruit side of the style range. There is enough ripe berries, earth, mocha and cherries to keep you interested as the wine remains in your glass."