95+

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

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. 12/2022

94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2020 Branaire Ducru takes some time to unfurl in the glass and so I afford it 10 minutes to open with rigorous swirling. It repays patience with a tightly-knit, quite intense and disarmingly pure bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, loamy and light minty aromas. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-chiseled tannins. As I remarked out of barrel, there is more weight on the back palate than older vintages, greater density and backbone. This has created a more satisfying Branaire Ducru with plenty of freshness on the finish. Bon vin.12/2022

94

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2020 Branaire-Ducru will require more patience than the supple, sensual 2019, but it is another strong effort for this overperforming estate. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, plums, pencil shavings, petals, burning embers and discreet hints of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a concentrated core of vibrant fruit and fine but youthfully firm tannins that assert themselves on the gently chewy finish. 04/2023

94

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, intense, pourpre et belle. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité, pur, subtil et floral. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, très parfumé au milieu, juteux et même complexe dans son déroulé, avec de la présence, le vin fond, s’étire, sèveux, long et très savoureux. De la tenue et du plaisir. Assemblage : 58 % cabernet sauvignon, 32 % merlot, 7 % petit verdot, 3 % cabernet franc. Degré d’alcool : 13°5. Rendement : 40 hl/ha.

96

James Suckling

James Suckling

Plenty of blackberry, blueberry, lead pencil and violet aromas here that follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. So integrated and polished.Changes a lot in the glass. Thoughtful young red. Try after 2027. 05/2023