Château Branaire Ducru, 4éme Cru Classé, Saint-Julien AOC, Bordeaux, France, 2009

96 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Only time will tell whether the 2009, another great effort from Château Branaire-Ducru, will eclipse the 2005 and 2003. Certainly at 13.6% alcohol it is the most powerful Branaire ever made, and the final blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot showcases what a great vintage 2009 is for Cabernet Sauvignon. An inky/blue/purple colour is followed by raspberry, boysenberry, crushed rock, graphite, and floral notes, and an opaque, broad, dense, substantial, impressively structured wine without any hardness. It requires 4-5 years of cellaring, and should last four decades or more. 96 Points

95/100 Wine Enthusiast

Very supple wine, with great richness and density. It is all so complete, a pleasure, powerful yet also with sweet opulent fruits layered with dark tannins. For long-term aging.