2014 Branaire Ducru Duluc

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. After an exceptionally mild winter, budburst came almost 15 days ahead of the ten-year average. Spring was wet and rather cool while flowering in early June benefited from good thermal conditions. The mild month of June and spring rainfall stimulated growth and the wet weather conditions required particular vigilance. Apart from the second half of July, which was warmer, summer showed moderate temperatures with average rainfall. Then from the end of August, the weather changed completely with above-average temperatures and 30% more sunshine than normal. Harvest 24 September to 11 October. Good concentrated crimson. The first bordeaux I tasted after the New World wines. The nose seemed particularly gentle and well integrated even if the fruit seems rather less vibrant than the best of the New World. A certain lack of energy and brightness? Competent but not thrilling. (JR)