2018 Château Branaire-Ducru 6 Pack

97 POINTS

James Suckling

Very attractive aromas of currants, tile and sandalwood with black and red currants. It’s full-bodied with a tight, dense center-palate that remains closed in and tight. Yet there is underlying seriousness and length to this. Perhaps the greatest Branaire-Ducru ever made. Try after 2026.

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

This is well-packed, with blueberry, açaí and blackberry fruit flavors and licorice snap and fruitcake notes. Long and refined despite the copious fruit, showing polish and poise through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. Score range: 94-97

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

This is well-packed, with blueberry, açaí and blackberry fruit flavors and licorice snap and fruitcake notes. Long and refined despite the copious fruit, showing polish and poise through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. Score range: 94-97

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

A deceptively smooth texture and black fruits hide a wine that has great density and richness. Firm tannins lie beneath the ripeness. They will allow this wine to age, giving future concentration and depth. Drink the wine from 2027.

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

94–96. Barrel Sample. This is a dense wine that is built by firm tannins, bright acidity and great fruitiness. Its structure is fully integrated into the blackberry fruits that give a rich wine that has a fine future.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a fantastic Brainaire with deep and dark fruit, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Lots of raspberries, too. Full-bodied with firm and creamy tannins and a super long finish. We will see if it’s better than 2016, but on its way.

93 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

Branaire-Ducru has managed to produce an exceptionally balanced and refined St-Julien in a year when that was not the easiest task. Depth and complexity is clear, although it's just a little held back right now. The architecture is such that there are walls to scale and depths to plumb, but with less generosity overall. 53hl/ha yield.