Jeb Dunnuck, awarding 96 points, describes the 2009 Branaire-Ducru as a standout wine from this vintage, now at its peak at age 10. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it retains its vibrant ruby/purple hue. It offers a rich bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cedar box, and a hint of forest floor. It is full-bodied, expansive, and layered on the palate, with a pleasing evolution as it breathes in the glass. The wine's sweet tannins, absence of harsh edges, and powerful finish make it a true blockbuster. (6/2019)
The 2009 Branaire-Ducru also received a high score of 96 points from Wine Advocate, who hailed it as the epitome of high culture in the world of wine. This dense purple wine is characterized by its distinct floral and pencil shavings notes, and its broad aromatics are intense and captivating.
95 points were given by Wine Enthusiast, who wrote that the bottle is supple and has great richness and density. It is all complete, a pleasure, powerful, yet also with sweet opulent fruits layered with dark tannins. For long-term ageing. *Cellar Selection* (RV) (2/2012)
James Suckling scored 94 points and commended lots of comments. Well,s with some bitter chocolate character, give this character. However, it's a seriously tannic wine that needs time to resolve. Drink now with hearty food or hold. (3/2019)
Decanter, awarding 93 points, notes that the tannins in St-Julien, where the 2009 Branaire-Ducru is produced, take notably longer to open up than in Margaux or on the right bank, even in the generous 2009 vintage. This wine, still relatively well-knitted together and subdued on the nose, opens up to reveal one of the fresher, balanced styles of 2009 in this lineup. It offers subtle dark chocolate and cedar scents, leading to a palate of cassis fruits with a lovely swirl of tobacco on the finish. (JA) (2/2019)
Vinous awarded 93 points, saying the 2009 Branaire-Ducru has a crisp and delineated bouquet with dense black fruit, soot, cedar and light tertiary aromas, still quite backward but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity that cuts through the dusky black fruit laced with white pepper and soy, fanning gently towards the finish that exerts an insisted grip. This is a straight down-the-line great Saint-Julien. (NM) (3/2019)
93 points Wine Spectator wrote on the lack of finesse. Wine Spectator wrote about Branaie 2009 as a ripe, chewy, muscular style, with a good cut despite the hefty tar, blackberry, roasted fig and singed apple wood notes. The long, anise-stained finish lets the tarry edge play out, though this shows a touch more finesse than some of its colleagues. (JM) (3/2012)
Updated: Jun 5, 2024
This 2015 Haut-Brisson is a deep, ruby wine with a tight rim. Its nose reflects the palate, offering perfumes and violets. The sweet fruit of this fuller-bodied wine has started to unfurl. It has moderate tannins wrapped in oak and spice, with fresh and ripe black cherry, currant, and liquorice flavours supplying the long fruit finish. This is a solid Right Bank wine stuffed with flavour. It can be enjoyed now and improved over the next five years.
2015 is a landmark year for Haut-Brisson, debuting its first vintage without a reserve wine. This unique feature catapults the 2015 Haut-Brisson to the pinnacle, making it the sole and most sought-after cuvee. The blend, a harmonious marriage of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, promises a palate-pleasing experience. Crafted by renowned winemaker Jérôme Aguirre, who honed his craft at Christine Péré-Vergé's vineyards in Pomerol, this wine embodies a 'lush' and 'riper' style. With Michel Rolland as the consultant, each sip is infused with modernity. This 2015 vintage lives up to these accolades and is indeed exceptional. It offers superb value, particularly in this excellent 2015 vintage, instilling confidence in its quality.
Awarded RP95, Hauty Brisson was highly praised by Robert Parker, who called it 'one of St-Emilion's most attractive over-performers' and 'generally available for a realistic price.' Rest assured, this 2015 Haut-Brisson has garnered excellent scores from two of the most respected voices in the wine industry: James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast.
James Suckling awarded it 95 points, describing it as a standout wine with enticing aromas of ripe dark plums and chocolate. It's a symphony of silky tannins and luscious fruit on the palate. The whole body, rich fruit, and complex aftertaste make for an unforgettable experience. The wine is impeccably balanced, a testament to its precision and impressiveness. It's a texturally complete wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for future indulgence.
Wine Enthusiast gave it 93 points, noting that the new wood flavours are intense and have a minty character and bright acidity. The wine is dry and concentrated, with a firm core and juicy black fruits. It balances well. This bottle is a deep, ruby wine with a tight rim. It has a nose that reflects the palate, offering perfumes and violets. The sweet fruit of this fuller-bodied wine has started to unfurl. It has moderate tannins wrapped in oak and spice, with fresh and ripe black cherry, currant, and liquorice flavours supplying the long fruit finish. Haut Brisson 2015 is a solid Right Bank wine stuffed with flavour.
The 2013 Langoa Barton has an aromatic bouquet with touches of Asian spice and cedar infusing the black fruit. With aeration, a touch of cold stone surfaces. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, minerally red berry fruit. This description of the wine from Neal Martin applies well. There is delicate tension here, with a simple, nicely balanced, fresh cedary finish. This wine pairs well with various dishes, including roasted lamb, grilled steak, and aged cheeses, enhancing the dining experience.
Today, Léoville Barton is a standout traditional Saint-Julien, showcasing a unique blend of power and finesse. Its ability to age and improve over many years is a testament to its quality. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc undergoes a 20-month ageing process in oak barrels (50% new). The 2013 Langoa Barton has the potential to age for an impressive 10 to 20 years and, in many cases, even longer. Despite being a lighter and elegant vintage, this 2013 can survive and improve for some years.
The score of WE92, which is a humble yet respectable rating, says, "The wine now in the bottle has maintained the lively character found in the barrel tasting. It also has a firm structure, with layers of wood and intense acidity. This wine will age over the medium term, so drink from 2019." This score indicates that the wine is of high quality and has the potential to age well, making it a good investment for wine enthusiasts. Also, JS92, opined. 'I like the pure, clean fruit with medium to full body, integrated tannins, and juicy finish. A sliced lemon and dark fruit undertone. Long subtle finish.' Edited.
