Duluc de Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2018 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

This cru, located just opposite Château Beychevelle, has been completely taken over by the Maroteaux family, who bought it in 1988. The wine, made from parcels spread over the entire appellation, requires rigorous blending, and a highly competent team. Its consistency is to be commended, as is that of the second wine, duluc.

Decanter

About the wine:

Sweet blackcurrant perfume on the nose, with a touch of medicinal herbs. Juicy and supple, with plenty of freshness and a lovely bouncy mouthfeel, but also density in the tannins, which are still a little full-bodied. Excellent structure, full and very accessible on the palate with expansive, well-defined black and bramble fruits. Deep notes of mint spice, licorice, aniseed and clove. Very good typicity, easy to drink and enjoy, still on the young side. 2023-2026

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A wine on the reserve on the nose, but very balanced on the palate, sappy and fresh, with a nice tannic structure and a long finish of red fruits. 2024-2030

About the domain :

Château (Directoire) and orangery (18th c.) with their pure lines, lovers of neo-classical architecture will be delighted by a visit to this beautiful estate, which rises on the hillside above Beychevelle. Composed of gravel, this is a prime terroir whose viticultural potential was recognized as early as the end of the 17th century, when Jean-Baptiste Braneyre purchased the estate. Since 1988, the 60-hectare vineyard has belonged to the Maroteaux family, who have invested heavily to restore the estate to its former glory.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the domain :

A neighbor of Beychevelle, the château was bought in 1988 by a family group headed by Patrick Maroteaux; more than two-thirds of the 50 hectares planted are Cabernet Sauvignon and, in addition to Merlot and Cabernet Franc, some Petit Verdot. With the help of Philippe Dalhuin, technical director at the time, the wines became denser and more regular, without ever losing their soul. Philippe Dalhuin left for Mouton Rothschild in 2003, and was replaced by Jean-Dominique Videau, who has maintained his focus on quality ever since. New barrels, in particular, are always used sparingly.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Duluc plays on the beautiful greediness of a round, seductive yet tonic palate. It's already opening up, but will last a few years without batting an eyelid.

About the domain :

François-Xavier, son of the late Patrick Maroteaux, is now at the helm of this admirable estate. Branaire-Ducru has quietly climbed to the top and is now one of the Médoc's leading estates. In recent years, the château has benefited from first-rate technical equipment. Due to the nature of its terroir, Branaire-Ducru cannot produce a wine as full-bodied as those produced by the three Léovilles; it plays on a different register, with more finesse and suppleness, while ageing admirably. Recent vintages have reached a remarkable level.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Ready to drink on release, the wine is medium-bodied, elegant and charming, with an emphasis on freshness, purity and supple tannins, finishing with sweet notes of kirsch and black cherry.