Robert Parker 91 points
A stunning success for the vintage, this enticing St.-Julien reveals notes of lead pencil shavings, sweet raspberries and black currants and a subtle touch of oak. Elegant, restrained yet authoritative and impressively intense, it is a medium to full-bodied, lightly tannic effort will be even better with 1-2 years of bottle age and will keep for 15-20 years.
Wine Spectator 91 Points
Dark and winey, with mouthfilling crushed currant and plum fruit pushed by even more fig paste and linzer torte notes. Lots of smoldering tobacco, charcoal and iron drives the finish, which has ample but integrated grip. Best from 2013 through 2020. -JM
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar 91+ Points
Dark red with ruby tones. Musky aromas of currant, dark plum and chocolate, along with a riper hint of black raspberry. Quite dry and uncompromising, with very good intensity and clarity to the medicinal flavors of dark fruits, blueberry skin, minerals and leather. Finishes backward, even a bit disjointed, with edgy acidity and dusty tannins in need of time to harmonize. Rather atypically unforthcoming for a young Branaire, but built for an extended life in bottle.
Neal Martin Wine Journal 91 Points
Ex-chateau bottle tasted at Roberson’s Branaire-Ducru tutorial. This is a sublime Saint Julien wine from an under-rated vintage and this wine has certainly improved during its elevage. The nose is very pure and almost Burgundian in style with notes of blackberry, a touch of cedar and a little seaweed. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, rounded and quite pert tannins, good acidity with a very refined finish. Caressing on the finish, yet there is an edgy tension that lends the finish vigour and focus. Harmonious even at this early juncture, this is a very fine 2008 from Branaire-Ducru. Drink 2013-2030. Tasted October 2010.
