TN: 03 Branaire Ducru [St Julien]
Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2015 3:35 pm
03 Branaire Ducru [St Julien] I was skimming someone else's TN when they mentioned this, which prompted me to pull one. Served a touch warm, 70F, from a half bottle. Just pop and pour. 14% abv on the label, but doesn't seem heavy at all. Medium bodied. I get some anise, warm spices on the nose. Very smooth on the palate, no raspiness nor astringency. Has that great blend of drinkability, balance, and richness that the 1990 St Julien's had. No lightening at the edges yet. Long 40 second finish, with hints of butterfingers/hazelnuts here too. I found the 03 Medocs to be so charming that I drank up many early, while waiting/hoping for firm years like 95 to round out, so am glad to still have these left. Perhaps with USD strength there is a chance to get a second crack at some of these. Although I found this vintages right banks to be hot/flabby/unbalanced and generally worsening over time, the other side of the river has been good. I think this still has lots of great years ahead of it. Solid A.