2011 Branaire Ducru

93 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

This wine is based on tannins, yet it also has weight and a complex fruit structure. Its power lies in the density of its texture. —R.V

92 POINTS

Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

From an assemblage of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.08% alcohol. Yields were about 10% lower in 2011 than what the estate produced in 2010. With mocha, black cherry, truffle, smoke and earthy aromas, this medium-bodied, soft-textured Branaire Ducru is dominated by cherries and finishes with a fresh, sweet chocolate and black raspberry finish. 91-93 Pts

92 POINTS

James Suckling

This is tight and structured, with blueberry and mineral character. Full and firm with excellent tannins for the vintage. Needs at least four years to soften but shows potential: try in 2018.

92 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Offers mouthfilling layers of plum sauce, blackberry compote and warm ganache, all lined with a charcoal note that adds texture and length. Delivers depth and polish on the finish, with the fruit echoing pleasantly. Best from 2016 through 2027.

90 POINTS

Jeannie Cho Lee MW - Asian Palate

This is a full bodied wine with attractive aromatics of fresh blackberries and red plums. The flavours are supported by generous tannins and fresh acidity. Fairly long finish. A serious wine that will age well ?wait at least 5+ years before opening.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

A dense blue/ruby/purple color is followed by notes of raspberries, incense and spring flowers, supple tannins, medium body and excellent elegance as well as purity. The result is a suave, savory 2011. While it does not possess the size or richness of vintages such as 2009 and 2010, the 2011 has plenty of charm and appeal. Drink it over the next decade.

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

The 2011 is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 14th and 29th September at just 37hl/ha. It has a straightforward bouquet of light fresh red berry fruit laced with orange rind and graphite, focused but not powerful. After five minutes there is a brine or fish scale note. The palate has a chalky entry with crisp acidity, just a little hardness in the mouth but the finish is softer. There are notes of blackberry, pain grille and graphite with a dry, crisp finish. Fine. Tasted April 2012

Ian D'Agata - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright, deep ruby-red.  Sappy aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant and sweet spices are complicated by an intense note of violet.  Bright and juicy in the mouth, offering excellent volume for the vintage as well as noteworthy floral lift to the fresh dark currant and plum flavors.  The wine's sappy quality gives it good inner-mouth energy and early deliciousness, even if it lacks the structure of the best vintages.  On the other hand, by avoiding overextraction the lovely 2011 Branaire-Ducru offers plenty of early appeal. (89(+?) points)