WTN: 2000 Chateau Branaire

[David M. Bueker]

2000 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (1/28/2017)
This is moving along a smooth path to maturity, acting in a very well-mannered way, as expected of Branaire. It displays little evolution in color, and the aromatics are still quite primary, except that the fruit is mellowed, though not muted. It has certainly emerged from the closed period, but other than a touch of cedar it shows little mature complexity. It's polished and moving slowly towards its apex. It is delicious with food (steak in my case), but if seeking the mature Bordeaux experience there is still a long time to wait.

2000 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (1/28/2017)
.. It has certainly emerged from the closed period, but other than a touch of cedar it shows little mature complexity. It's polished and moving slowly towards its apex. It is delicious with food (steak in my case), but if seeking the mature Bordeaux experience there is still a long time to wait.

From time to time I enjoy a bottle of 1989 Château Branaire which still drinks nicely. I particularly like this Château's style: in my view it's true to Bordeaux, not trying to compete with Maremma and/or California. The 1989 Branaire has limited concentration and complexity, nevertheless it is a pleasure to drink and goes very well with food.

Cheers, Rainer