Branaire-Ducru St-Julien 2018

97 points James Suckling: "Very attractive aromas of currants, tile and sandalwood with black and red currants. It’s full-bodied with a tight, dense center-palate that remains closed in and tight. Yet there is underlying seriousness and length to this. Perhaps the greatest Branaire-Ducru ever made. Try after 2026. (2/3/22)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Branaire-Ducru is every bit as captivating as it was en primeur. Ripe, silky tannins give the 2018 a striking air of sensuality that only grows as the wine sits in the glass. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint, spice and gravel inflections all open more over time. Even with all of its natural radiance, Branaire remains a model of grace. It is unquestionably one of the under the radar wines of the year. Drink: 2026-2048. (Mar 2021)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "Looking for all the world like the 2018 vintage in the glass, with a dense, glossy and richly pigmented hue. The nose follows on with similar intent, full of juicy and crushed fruits at the start, especially sweet and oozing blackcurrants, backed up by threads of tar and toast, and surprisingly there is a very subtle hint of mint running through the middle (although on looking back through my notes I see this has been a consistent feature). The palate has a polished, broad, substantial and rather primary palate, rich in toasted dark fruits, wrapping up a core of tobacco, black olive, pepper and seams of tobacco and cedar. Underneath it all, there is a rich seam of ripe and impressive of tannins, well hidden until they declare themselves in the very end. I don’t see any of that minty character here. It finishes with a good length, with lingering fruit and structure too. Impressive. The declared alcohol is 14.5%. (Oct 2021)"

95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "A deceptively smooth texture and black fruits hide a wine that has great density and richness. Firm tannins lie beneath the ripeness. They will allow this wine to age, giving future concentration and depth. Drink the wine from 2027. Alcohol 14.5%. (May 2021)"

95 points Falstaff: "Fruit-driven on the nose: with bilberry and blueberry, aromas redolent of Dextro Energy dextrose tablets and mint. The palate opens with a supple, almost oily base, onto which unfolds a powerful amount of very fine tannins. The wine is much more closed on the palate than on the nose, but the dense, saline structure raises great hopes for the future. (12/2/22)"

95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Showing better from the bottle than in barrel, the wine is loaded with black and red berries, smoke, mocha, flowers and coffee bean. Elegant, refined, silky and fresh, the fruit offers this gorgeous sense of purity from the start continuing straight through to the vibrant, red berry packed finish. Fans of Branaire-Ducru should be all over this gem. The wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. (Mar 2021)"

95 points (17.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2018 is a wine of great refinement that follows in a line of fine vintages, with a classic structure that tames the richness of the fruit. The wine retains elegance and refinement. (2022)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Pure and driven, with expressive cassis and plum puree aromas and flavors carried by a graphite edge and backed with applewood, licorice root and tobacco notes. Lovely energy throughout. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2037. (3/31/21)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A beautiful Saint-Julien, the 2018 Château Branaire-Ducru reveals a deep purple color as well as ample, earthy cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with sous bois, earth, lead pencil, and cedar. With that classic Saint-Julien pure fruit, sumptuous aromas and flavors, sweet yet present tannins, and a solid spine of acidity, it's going to need 5-7 years to hit maturity yet should keep for 20-25 years or more. I don't think it's going to match the blockbuster 2009 (it's more in the pretty, elegant style of the 2016), but it's a gorgeous, elegant wine you will love to have in the cellar. Drink: 2026-2051. (3/11/21)"