Chateau Branaire Ducru St. Julien Patrick Maroteaux
2010 Chateau Branaire Ducru, St. Julien  tasting notes and ratings with quotes from chateau owner, Patrick Maroteaux.
2010 Chateau Branaire Ducru – Sporting a deep ruby color, the smoke, boysenberry, blackberry, truffle, mocha scents form an enticing perfume. Polished, elegant, fresh and filled with deep, ripe, pure fruits. The wine is expansive and mouth filling, finishing with a long, boysenberry, cocoa and black cherry finish. This wine has improved since last tasted in April. This is the best vintage of Chateau Branaire Ducru that Patrick Maroteaux has made at the property. 94-95 Pts
2010 Branaire Ducru is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc. While that’s close to what they used in the 2009, the wines are different. 2009 Branaire Ducru is more opulent and showy, while the 2010 has more structure and freshness, as well as slightly higher levels of alcohol. The wine reached 13.8% alcohol, but due to the increased level of acidity, there is no sensation of heat. Patrick Maroteaux, the chateau owner said, “One big difference between 2010 and previous vintages is their new method of handling the press wine. Press wine is now aged in one year old barrels. The estate is also utilizing more selection in the press wine. Only 40% of the press wine was allocated to the Grand Vin in 2010. The remaining press wine was blended into their second wine.”
