2016 Chateau Duluc de Branaire - St. Julien (750ml)

The second wine of Château Branaire-Ducru — one of Saint-Julien's most quietly distinguished Fourth Growths — sourced from the estate's younger vines on deep gravel over clay soils overlooking the Gironde estuary. The younger vines carry the same house DNA as the Grand Vin, made by the same team on the same outstanding terroir at the southern end of Saint-Julien. Attractive aromas of currants and walnuts with hints of chocolate; medium-bodied with round tannins and a savory, lingering finish — just starting to come around now. Savoury and leathery with a velvety mouthfeel and a satisfying mocha finish — really elegant. 2016 is one of Bordeaux's finest recent vintages, and at this price, Duluc represents a genuine back-door entry into one of Saint-Julien's most reliable addresses. Drink now–2030