{"product_id":"branaire-ducru-4eme-grand-cru-classe-saint-julien-2018-2","title":"Branaire Ducru 4ème Grand Cru Classé Saint-Julien, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eBranaire-Ducru 2018 is a classic Saint-Julien from one of Bordeaux’s most respected Fourth Growth estates, offering the poise, precision, and longevity collectors look for in the Left Bank. Crafted from the appellation’s signature blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, it reflects both the refinement of Saint-Julien and the pedigree of a historic Classified Growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine is typically deep ruby in color, with a polished, concentrated look that hints at its structure and depth. On the nose, it tends to show layered aromas of blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, cedar, graphite, violet, and subtle spice, with a refined oak backdrop rather than anything overpowering.\n\nThe palate is usually medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity, and a balanced core of dark fruit, tobacco leaf, earthy minerality, and savory spice. 2018 is a vintage that supports impressive aging, and Branaire-Ducru should continue to evolve gracefully over the next 15–25 years or more, developing greater complexity and a more tertiary, earthy profile with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBranaire-Ducru comes from Saint-Julien in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, where gravelly soils provide excellent drainage and help Cabernet Sauvignon ripen with finesse and structure, while clay and sand parcels add mid-palate richness and aromatic detail. The grapes are generally harvested by parcel to preserve precision and picked at optimal ripeness, then vinified in a traditional Bordeaux style with careful fermentation and élevage in oak to build texture, depth, and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine pairs beautifully with classic dishes such as roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck breast, braised short ribs, or game with mushroom sauces. It is best served at 16–18°C, and decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended if drinking young, to allow the bouquet to open and the tannins to soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChâteau Branaire-Ducru is a historic estate in Saint-Julien and one of the grands noms of the Bordeaux Left Bank, classified as a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Over the years, it has earned a strong reputation for producing elegant, reliable, and age-worthy wines that express the balance and refinement of the appellation, making it a respected name among collectors and Bordeaux enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Branaire Ducru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255007531345,"sku":"MS-58029","price":63.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/58029.png?v=1783455533","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/branaire-ducru-4eme-grand-cru-classe-saint-julien-2018-2","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}