Duluc

Duluc is the second wine of the Chateau Branaire-Ducru from Saint-Julien appellation, in the Haut-Médoc region. The estate was ranked a fourth growth in the 1855 Classification. Since 1988, Branaire-Ducru has been owned by Patrick Maroteaux, a former banker who fell in love with the Saint-Julien appellation and Branaire-Ducru itself. Under his ownership, 10 hectares (25 acres) have been added to the estate, and the winery and vineyards have undergone a complete modernization and renovation.
Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is made from the estate's younger vines and released in a more approachable style than the grand vin. Maroteaux does not see the point in producing a third wine or extending his portfolio, as this would just drive up the price of his first wine based on the quantities of his wine rather than the quality.

The first nose reveals an intense and pure red fruits complexity enhanced by elegant floral aromas. Fine spicy notes come with aeration. In the mouth the wine shows roundness and a pleasant fleshiness. It develops a really fine structure. The aromatic length is impressive and shows a real liveliness.