2006 Château Branaire-Ducru, St Julien, Bordeaux

Tasted blind. Good lift. It's very fluid and juicy. More charm than most 2006 St-Juliens. Racy and stony. Good finish and persistence.Drink 2015 - 2030jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (May 2016)

Full ruby-red. Sexy aromas of currant, chocolate, mocha and coffee. Dense, firm, and sweet, with chateau-typical flavours of currant, minerals, and chocolate and very good breadth. Finishes pure and fruity, with spreading tannins and lingering notes of black cherry and minerals. This makes the young 2007 seem a bit dry by comparison."We're happy with the definition of the 2007, its purity of fruit, elegance and freshness," said president Patrick Maroteau, who will be stepping down this summer following an extended term as president of the Union des Grands Crus. Manager Jean-Dominique Videau noted that Branaire is made in 90% Taransaud barrels, with the other 10% used "to experiment" with other suppliers.Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com.com (May 2008)

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. A superlative performance from Branaire Ducru, way above my previous appraisals for Mon. Maroutoux’s Saint Julien estate. It remains austere on the nose: blackberry, damson, even a touch of marmalade developing with aeration. Moderate definition. The palate is medium-bodied, with very powerful and intense ripe tannins, toasty black fruit laced with tar and graphite with a tannic, bold finish that demands more cellaring. Excellent.Neil Martin, Wine Advocate (September 2010)

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London.The 2006 Chteau Branaire-Ducru has a lifted forest floor, minty bouquet that needs to show more fruit intensity. It just lacks a little conviction. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, a little rustic compared to its peers with a grainy, quite savory finish that needs more depth. This is drinking perfectly now and I would not leave it more than several years. Tasted January 2016.Neil Martin - 30/05/2016

Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux continues to ratchet up the quality level at this impeccably run St.-Julien estate. The 2006 is similar to the 1996 Branaire, but with sweeter fruit. A deep ruby/purple hue precedes a perfumed nose of sweet boysenberries, black cherries, minerals, spring flowers, and a hint of pain grille in the background. Fresh, savoury, medium to full-bodied flavours coat the palate with beautiful purity, no hard edges, ripe tannin, and intense fruit. This elegant, layered, impressive offering will be at its peak between 2012 - 2025.Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate (April 2007)