What do you think of Branaire Ducru?

[Matt Richman]

According to Parker, Branaire was as good or better than either in 2000 and 2003 and was equalled by Grand Puy in 2005 but was handily ahead of Lynch

Charlie Parker? Or Parker Posey?

Because they are the only Parkers I have any faith in.

[alex metags]

"This wine is obviously not from a first-growth vineyard - nor even a second. It is not a great wine. The quality, the - the - what do you call it? - the radiance, the power, is lacking. But a third growth - that it could be. And yet I doubt it." Maybe I'm the only one who always thinks about the Roald Dahl story "Taste" whenever I drink Branaire Ducru, which isn't often. Anyone try the 1934?

[Bill Spohn]

According to Parker, Branaire was as good or better than either in 2000 and 2003 and was equalled by Grand Puy in 2005 but was handily ahead of Lynch

Charlie Parker? Or Parker Posey?

Because they are the only Parkers I have any faith in.

RP used to be fairly reliable on Bordeaux and Rhones, until recent years when high marks meant they were more like American over the top in your face wines. I don't 'do' points but many do and I just wanted to point out that Branaire, by that mesure seemed to be creeping up the ladder.

BTW, it is pointless to talk about what growth a wine is based on a 160 year old scale that mostly measured sale prices at the time. Some have fallen, some have risen, many have totally disappeared in the interim. I do enjoy Dahl's story though! Anyone that hasn't experienced should go straight here and at least watch it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhqBzQN0fFQ

[Harry Cantrell]

2003 was a WOW wine for me by Brainaire Ducru. So much so that I bought a few bottles and a magnum (rarly buy Magnums). About 2000 it seemed to turn corner for me into my like zone.

[Patrick Martin]

I like Branaire, but I too have never been really wowed by it. The 82 (now fading), 89, and 96 are all very nice.

The 2000 and 2003 didn't impress me the few times I've had them, but they may have been too young. The 02 is a bit four-square but a good wine a for the price ($22 on release).

I did notice, as others have mentioned, that the critics (especially Bob and Suckling) have really ramped up the love for Branaire since the 2003 vintage. Sounds like they all love the 2010, "best ever from here". Did the wine maker, consultant and/or ownership change in the last decade?