Branaire Ducru 2005, St Julien 4th Growth
Deep ruby is still bright- the colour seems entirely developed, though. Black-red cherry, leather, spice, cedar, tobacco, and sou-bois restrained by toasty oak. Quite expressive for the full nosing by now. At the same time, more energetic black fruit appears to lurk behind. The wine has a fine tannic structure that is somewhat drying & finishes medium as a result. There is a certain charming ripeness from the 2005 vintage. The palate, which is clean and balanced, needs to be opened up in the first 30 minutes. Use slow oxygenation, chill slightly and leave it to room temperature for a better drinking temperature.
Scores are consistent and high in the 95 to 93 level.
2005 Vintage
This is opulent but with restraint. The fruit is rich, black and delicious. Touches of spice and wood lend complexity to the ripe fruits and balanced tannins. Impressive. (Edited)
94 points Vinous
The 2005 Branaire-Ducru is a gorgeous, super-expressive wine that captures all of the natural radiance of the year. Black cherry, leather, spice, cedar, tobacco, and scorched earth envelop the palate, framed by silky tannins that give this supple Saint-Julien so much charm. 2005 is a straightforward wine to drink and enjoy today, but it's got the stuffing to develop beautifully for years to come. (AG) (4/2021). Edited.
RP93
Floral nuances combined with lots of mulberry, raspberry and sweet blackcurrant fruit are followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, textured, complex wine with soft tannin. It should drink well relatively early (2-3 years) and last 15 or more. Drink 2015 - 2030.
94 Steven Tanzer. Dark red-ruby. Plum, chocolate and some exotic smoky oak on the nose. Lush, smooth and sweet but not over the top, it offers unusual volume and breadth for Branaire. The exotic aspect carries through on the palate, yet this wine retains plenty of material. It finishes with building tannins and excellent length. Offers superb potential for ageing. ( edited)
