1966 Château Branaire-Ducru
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1966 Branaire-Ducru is a forgotten gem from an underrated Bordeaux vintage. The bouquet is ethereal with vivacious scents of wild strawberry and morello cherry intermingling with cedar and crushed stone. It is still fresh after five-odd decades, now it just “sings” with joy. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine-boned tannins. It sports nigh perfect acidity and whilst not the most structured or complex Saint-Julien that I have come across, its sense of detail is entrancing. Bottles with guaranteed provenance should continue to give drinking pleasure over many years. Tasted at the Branaire-Ducru dinner.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
This has always been a beautiful Branaire. It is now fully mature, but in no danger of falling off for at least another couple of years. The 1966 is dark ruby, with some amber at the edge. It has the telltale big, intense, spicy, black currant, tarry, truffle-scented bouquet, soft, silky, ripe, rich, deep, savory flavors, and a long finish. The flavors appear to have become more sweet and expansive in the late eighties. It is a lovely success from St.-Julien for the 1966 vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/89.
This has always been a beautiful Branaire. It is now fully mature, but in no danger of falling off for at least another couple of years. The 1966 is dark ruby, with some amber at the edge. It has the telltale big, intense, spicy, black currant, tarry, truffle-scented bouquet, soft, silky, ripe, rich, deep, savory flavors, and a long finish. The flavors appear to have become more sweet and expansive in the late eighties. It is a lovely success from St.-Julien for the 1966 vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/89. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
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.