Château Branaire-Ducru 2016

Very restrained; here too you find the vintage’s stunning freshness, the mineral polish of the tannins, the breed and length, that just-right craftsmanship, the elegance.

The core of this red is loaded with pure plum, blueberry and black currant fruit flavors. The polished structure is integrated, with alluring ganache, anise and sweet tobacco notes throughout, all in a polished and balanced frame. A very classy red that isn't shy about its power but pushes its purity to the fore. Best from 2024 through 2039. 15,000 cases made.

Florality and black fruits on the nose, really very aromatic and expressive. Generous and giving, this is definitely more plush and supple than the 2015, wide open and expansive, totally charming from the off, still with massive structure, clear concentration and such plush tannins that give a mouthful, yet it’s so broad and enveloping without being too much. Sweet and joyful, the saltiness is there, reminding you of the terroir, but just so charming, still with sticky liquorice too — you want to drink this now, but know you shouldn’t. There is richness but also definition. I love the gentle muscles, the frame and overall taste, but this still needs more time so be patient.

The best vintage of this wine since 2009! Effusive, fresh redcurrant and cassis aromas give this St.-Julien terrific drive and energy, the elegant, dry tannins beautifully married to the medium body, right through the long, agile finish. Drink or hold.

Refined, elegant, fresh, vibrant, and while approachable, its best days are ahead, which is when all of those sweet, ripe, perfectly balanced layers of currants, spice, mocha, cigar wrapper, and forest leaf will be at their best. Drink from 2024-2050.

Fresh, youthful and aromatic, with mint, sage, dark fruit aromas and a light touch of oak and mocha. Fresh and medium-weight palate with a youthful texture, savoury red fruit with mild oak and butterscotch notes, and good length.

Purple with a dense core and a violet rim. Intense nose of cassis sweets and blackberry compote. On the powerful palate, a very tight tannic framework; the structure feels strained, with a finely austere texture and leafy notes, plus walnut and a hint of ivy on the aftertaste, leading to a focused finish.

Kunz barrel sample 17: herbal, mineral bouquet, cassis, plums, licorice. Medium-bodied, fragrant palate with sweet fruit, fine sandy tannins, elegant structure, powerful sweet aromatics, long, fresh finish. Can improve further.

Herbs, mineral bouquet, cassis, damsons, licorice. Medium-bodied, fragrant palate with sweet fruit, finely grained sandy tannins, elegant structure, powerful sweet aromatics, long, fresh finish. Can still improve. 17/20 2024 - 2038

The 2016 Branaire-Ducru is deep garnet colored. It jumps with notes of ripe, juicy blackberries and blackcurrants, followed by hints of lilacs and kirsch plus a touch of underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is laden with juicy black fruits, supported by soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a mineral lift.

Right from the nose, it shows a very lovely ripeness of fruit, with a minty touch. The palate is all about balance and smoothness, with depth and charm. The finest achievement of the cru.

Small black fruits, fresh fruit. Broad, fresh palate, silky tannins, medium intensity, a hint of graphite, long finish, lovely wine.

Dark, intense, and vibrant color. A moderately aromatic nose, but particularly fruity and floral. Soft on the attack, melting on the palate’s development, very aromatic mid-palate; the wine settles in, takes its time before evolving into a flavorful, dense, and deep profile on a straight frame, with brightness and great natural character. A great, refined, and racy wine. A superb outsider!