Duluc de Branaire Ducru 2015

Lying in the south of Saint Julien, opposite Château Beychevelle and close neighbours to Second Growths Ducru Beaucaillou, Gruaud Larose and Léoville Barton, Branaire Ducru is a very fine Fourth Growth. Since 1988, it has been owned by Patrick Maroteaux, who has ploughed in significant investment to upgrade vineyards and build a shiny new winery and chai for ageing. Despite this, its wines remain well priced. Decanter wrote, "it has taken the enthusiasm and passion of Maroteaux to nudge it closer to its super-second neighbours," calling its first wine "the epitome of an elegant, fresh Saint Julien." This delicious claret already makes appealing drinking. Open early and decant and serve with your finest cut of red meat. Or cellar for longer.