Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95+)

The 2020 Branaire-Ducru was so alluring en primeur, but is very shy today. That said, some of that youthful exuberance has given way to the characteristic Brainaire finesse. Dark red cherry, spice, grilled herbs, menthol and licorice emerge, but only with great reluctance. Sweet floral and spice notes lift the finish nicely. The 2020 is going to need the better part of a decade to come around.

James Suckling (94-95)

A very pretty wine, showing blackberry and blackcurrant aromas with crushed stone. Medium to full body with layers of fine-grained tannins. Bright and refined. Lots of dark fruit at the end. Solid weight.

James Suckling (94-95)

A very pretty wine, showing blackberry and blackcurrant aromas with crushed stone. Medium to full body with layers of fine-grained tannins. Bright and refined. Lots of dark fruit at the end. Solid weight.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Darker currants, leafy herbs, graphite, tobacco, and subtle orange zest-like nuances all emerge from the 2022 Château Branaire-Ducru, a ripe, concentrated, flawlessly balanced Saint-Julien. With medium to full-bodied richness, a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and plenty of tannins, it's another no-brainer of a 2022 that readers will love to have in their cellar. The 2022 is 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in oak.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Darker currants, leafy herbs, graphite, tobacco, and subtle orange zest-like nuances all emerge from the 2022 Château Branaire-Ducru, a ripe, concentrated, flawlessly balanced Saint-Julien. With medium to full-bodied richness, a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and plenty of tannins, it's another no-brainer of a 2022 that readers will love to have in their cellar. The 2022 is 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in oak.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Darker currants, leafy herbs, graphite, tobacco, and subtle orange zest-like nuances all emerge from the 2022 Château Branaire-Ducru, a ripe, concentrated, flawlessly balanced Saint-Julien. With medium to full-bodied richness, a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and plenty of tannins, it's another no-brainer of a 2022 that readers will love to have in their cellar. The 2022 is 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in oak.

James Suckling (95-96)

This has so much lead pencil, stone and blackcurrant character, as well as blackberry. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a polished finish. Very classy and structured.

James Suckling (95-96)

This has so much lead pencil, stone and blackcurrant character, as well as blackberry. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a polished finish. Very classy and structured.

James Suckling (95-96)

This has so much lead pencil, stone and blackcurrant character, as well as blackberry. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a polished finish. Very classy and structured.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2015 Branas Grand Poujeaux has a gorgeous, quite plush nose with fine definition: black cherry, mulberry and cedar, very focused. The palate feels rounded on the entry and reassuringly dense. The acidity is certainly well judged and it delivers a lovely saline finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2016 Branas Grand Poujeaux has a delightful bouquet of brambly red berry fruit laced with damp loamy aromas, the oak here neatly enmeshed. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, brown spices liberally sprinkled over the red berry fruit and a satisfying sense of precision on the finish. A very fine, serious Moulis that comes highly recommended. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2017 Branas Grand Poujeaux has quite a high-toned and more ostentatious nose compared to previous bottles with exuberant blue and black cherry fruit, hints of mocha coming through with time. The palate is fleshy and ripe, velvety smooth with a caressing, texture. Pure red fruit laced with white pepper and clove, this gently fans out on the finish. This appears to be meliorating in bottle - one to watch. Tasted at the Branas Grand Poujeaux vertical at the château.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2017 Branas Grand Poujeaux has quite a high-toned and more ostentatious nose compared to previous bottles with exuberant blue and black cherry fruit, hints of mocha coming through with time. The palate is fleshy and ripe, velvety smooth with a caressing, texture. Pure red fruit laced with white pepper and clove, this gently fans out on the finish. This appears to be meliorating in bottle - one to watch. Tasted at the Branas Grand Poujeaux vertical at the château.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2018 Branas Grand Poujeaux is backward but finely detailed on the nose, where precise blackberry and wild strawberry fruit intermingles with briary and, later, cassis and violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, almost understated at first, but it gains depth with aeration and leaves traces of tobacco and tar on the aftertaste. Excellent.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2018 Branas Grand Poujeaux is backward but finely detailed on the nose, where precise blackberry and wild strawberry fruit intermingles with briary and, later, cassis and violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, almost understated at first, but it gains depth with aeration and leaves traces of tobacco and tar on the aftertaste. Excellent.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2019 Branas Grand Poujeaux, cropped at 39hL/ha, has a delightful bouquet of beautifully defined black cherry, raspberry and light cedar aromas that gently unfurl in the glass. The saline palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and lightly spiced. The harmonious, silky-smooth finish is irresistible. Go buy.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2019 Branas Grand Poujeaux, cropped at 39hL/ha, has a delightful bouquet of beautifully defined black cherry, raspberry and light cedar aromas that gently unfurl in the glass. The saline palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and lightly spiced. The harmonious, silky-smooth finish is irresistible. Go buy.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2019 Branas Grand Poujeaux, cropped at 39hL/ha, has a delightful bouquet of beautifully defined black cherry, raspberry and light cedar aromas that gently unfurl in the glass. The saline palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and lightly spiced. The harmonious, silky-smooth finish is irresistible. Go buy.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2020 Branas Grand Poujeaux has a fresh and focused bouquet with blackberry, briary, bay leaf and hints of pressed iris flower. The oak is very nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-delineated tannins, lightly spiced with ample depth and grip. Lovely black fruit here and impressive tension on the finish. Bon vin.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2020 Branas Grand Poujeaux has a fresh and focused bouquet with blackberry, briary, bay leaf and hints of pressed iris flower. The oak is very nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-delineated tannins, lightly spiced with ample depth and grip. Lovely black fruit here and impressive tension on the finish. Bon vin.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)

The 2021 Branas Grand Poujeaux was picked from September 29 to October 13 at 38hL/ha and includes some whole-cluster addition; it was matured in 50% new oak. The well-defined bouquet features blackberry, raspberry, white pepper and a hint of undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy entry and gentle grip, the whole bunch working well here, and quite saline on the finish. Excellent.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2023 Branas Grand Poujeaux is a rich, exuberant Moulis-en-Médoc. Inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, chocolate, new leather, licorice, mocha and lavender are front and center. Bold, plush and sumptuous to the core, Branas Grand Poujeaux is a total delight.

James Suckling (96)

This is a beautiful Brancaia feathering a fine line of decadent dark fruit and complex herbal and spicy notes. Blackberries, dark cherries, Thai basil, peppermint tea, bark, cassis and pure blackcurrants all come to mind. A full body, characterized by layered but racy rich fruit, yet there’s an unmistakable current of acidity that doesn’t let go. Very classy and elegant with remarkable finesse and freshness. Drink from 2025.

Exquisitely produced, Brand Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 encapsulates a magical vintage year's vibrancy and finesse. Harvested from the revered Napa Valley, USA, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of its creators, Ed Fitts and Phil Wente, encapsulating their commitment to cultivating superior single-vineyard wines.

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Brand Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 offers rich black currant and dark cherry flavours, enhanced by subtle notes of mocha and cedar. A dazzling dance between volume and precision, its lingering finish, dense structure and elegant tannins make for an unforgettable sipping experience. Renowned for its consistency in delivering high-quality samples frequently sought-after by Cabernet connoisseurs, this wine is an absolute gem in any collection.

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