Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2020 Bottle size: 750ml

‘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.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 96/100

‘The 2020 Branaire-Ducru is utterly magnificent. A wine of extraordinary depth and dimension, the 2020 possesses tremendous intensity right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice, cloves and lavender build as into the explosive, palate-staining finish. I don't think I have ever tasted a Branaire quite like this.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96/100

‘Rich, juicy and with dense tannins, this wine is full of generous blackberry fruit flavor. The tannins and impressive structure are what show promise for the future. Expect this wine to age well.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100

‘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. 2027-2055’ – William Kelley, Wine Advocate, 94/100

‘Firm tannins, medium intensity colour, austere tannins, but a lovely depth to the cassis and blueberry fruit, balanced and finessed with deft and confident control exerted by the tannic architecture. As it opens a seductive creaminess arrives with blackberry, tobacco and grilled sandalwood oak. Great St Julien balance. 2028-2042’ – Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 93/100