92-93/100
James Suckling

"The 2017 Branaire-Ducru offers lovely depth and density. The characteristic dark red/purplish fruit character of Brainaire comes through beautifully. As always, Branaire is a wine of polish and finesse. Stylistically, the 2017 comes across as a smaller scaled and more accessible version of the 2015. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. The 2017 is really quite lovely. Tasted three times. "
91-94/100 Antonio Galloni for Vinous (May-2018)

The 60-hectare vineyard of Branaire Ducru is quite close to what it was at the time of the 1855 Classification, since it was ranked as a Fourth Growth. The terroir is deep gravel with clay soils. The vineyard is planted to 65% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Enthusiastic and ambitious, Patrick Maroteaux has not ceased his efforts to raise the chateau Branaire-Ducru to perfection with the objective of restoring the wine of this exceptional terroir since he purchased it in 1988. The Chateau takes its named from a Mr. Braneyre who owned the estate in 1680.

Read Tom Harrow's notes on the EP 2017 vintage here here.