Chateau Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2018, Bordeaux, France

2018 vintage: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. The nose, which is very expressive, shows a nice complexity of ripe fruit, well balanced by fresher notes. The intensity of the bouquet develops with aeration and the oak is well integrated. The first impression on the palate is one of silky roundness with impressive volume, overlaying extremely fine tannins. The wine develops slowly and gradually on the palate, following its logical path to a voluptuous mid-palate with beautiful density: always refined – never overpowering. The aromatic complexity, and delicious acidity are omni-present with a lovely long-lasting fruit finish ensuring freshness and lift. The house style of Branaire-Ducru is very evident in the 2018 vintage: expressive fruit, great finesse and balance, wonderful freshness, but always with exceptional depth, density and refinement.