1982 Château Branaire-Ducru
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Tasting notes
The 1982 Branaire-Ducru was surprisingly deep in color with just thin bricking on the rim. The nose is a mixture of red and black fruit, secondary aromas of fireside hearth, mint and cedar surfacing with time. This is certainly one of the more fragrant aromatics from the Saint-Julien. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, quite tart at first with plenty of succulent red fruit, bitter cherry, a splash of balsamic and considerable length. Whilst it lacks the gung-ho spirit of Gruaud Larose, this is a thoroughly enjoyable 1982 that still has a decade’s worth of drinking pleasure to give. Tasted at the Branaire-Ducru dinner.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A strong effort for this estate, the 1982 exhibits sweet aromas of plums, licorice, earth, and flowers. The tannins are slightly rustic, but the sweetness of the fruit, the broad expansive mouthfeel, and the wine’s full maturity represent a classic Bordeaux at the top of its game. Enjoy it over the next 5-8 years. Release price: ($320.00/case)
Mid-crimson. Lightweight digestive biscuits. Midweight on the palate. Grainy texture and tannic end. (JR)
A big, traditional-style red. Ruby-garnet in color, with chestnut, berry and truffle aromas. Full-bodied and very concentrated, with velvety tannins and lots of mushroom and earth flavors. Slightly dry.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 1998.
About the producer
This Fourth Growth estate, just a stone’s throw from the wide expanse of the Gironde estuary, has been revitalised under the stewardship of former banker and businessman Patrick Maroteaux, who purchased the property in 1988.