Chateau Branaire Ducru 2010

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "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."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "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."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A layered young red with lots of black olives and berries on the nose. Full body, with velvety and chewy tannins. It all comes together at the end with a lovely sweet fruit. Try after 2017."

WINE SPECTATOR: "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."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, reifes dunkles Beerenkonfit, ein Hauch von Zwetschken, zart nach Velourleder, etwas Nougat und Rosinen. Kraftvoll, extraktsüßer Kern, schokoladiger Touch, elegante, feste Tannine, zeigt eine gute Länge, Nougat auch im Rückgeschmack, süße Herzkirschen im Abgang, sicheres Entwicklungspotenzial."