2024 Ch Branaire-Ducru 2ème Cru, St-Julien

DUE OCT/NOV 2027

The 2024 Branaire-Ducru offers up a pretty and precise bouquet of cassis, violets and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, supple and suave, with polished tannins and tangy acids, it's a fine-boned, delicate wine from Branaire that was harvested between 20 September and 9 October. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that attained 12.8% alcohol, and it's being raised in a touch less new oak than usual.

90-92 points robertparker.com

Lovely bright plum colour, slim blue and black fruits, coffee bean and cedar oak notes, carefully constructed with balance, a little short on the finish compared to the excellent recent vintages at Branaire. 55% new oak. 41.5 hl/ha, this is the first vintage with the new cellars, François-Xavier Maroteaux owner and new president of the Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux.

91 points janeanson.com

The 2024 Bordeaux vintage is shaping up as one of balance, transparency, and classical appeal. After a growing season defined by early warmth, tempered summer conditions, and a cool, even ripening period, the wines show vibrant fruit purity, fine tannins, and exceptional freshness. Alcohol levels are moderate, acidities are bright, and terroir character shines clearly across both the Left and Right Banks.

This is a vintage that favours finesse over force, with outstanding wines emerging not only from the top names, but also from rising stars and value-driven châteaux. It is an ideal year for collectors seeking wines with structure and elegance, as well as for drinkers looking for earlier approachability without sacrificing complexity.

Left Bank highlights: In Pauillac, early tastings point to structured yet refined Cabernet with cassis, graphite, and precise tannins. Château Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild are expected to be among the top releases.
Margaux and Saint-Julien show incredible perfume and balance, with Château Margaux, Brane-Cantenac, and Léoville Poyferré producing elegant, medium bodied wines with exceptional clarity.

Right Bank highlights: In Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, Merlot was particularly successful, with plush textures, red and blue fruit, and vibrant acidity. Look out for Château Figeac, Canon, Troplong Mondot, and Vieux Château Certan, all showing energy and finesse.

Dry whites and Sauternes: The dry whites from Graves and Pessac-Léognan are crisp, textural, and mineral driven, while Sauternes saw excellent botrytis, delivering rich, lifted sweet wines with fantastic balance.