Château Branaire-Ducru is a 4th growth Bordeaux very much on the up in recent times, since Patrick Maroteaux bought this Saint-julien château in 1988.

Patrick's wise investment has made Branaire-Ducru an estate to watch, with its prices remaining very reasonable – easily out-performing its neighbour Beychevelle (which once owned the Branaire vineyards).

Branaire-Ducru's low-yielding 35-year-old vines, married with traditional vinification with a modern twist produces wines of power, elegance and subtlety, and it really excelled in the great 2000 Bordeaux vintage.

"A top-flight Branaire, this is the finest wine made at this property since the 1996 and 1982. A lovely nose bursts from the glass: espresso, ripe black fruits and whiff of the sea. A soft entry, very supple on the palate: fine tannins. Red berried fruit, then becomes chewier on the mid-palate with an attractive mineral core. Quite modern in style. Lush finish. A very well-crafted wine. Delicious.” eRobertParker.com