Château Branaire-Ducru is a 4ème Cru Classé estate situated on the opposite side of the road from Château Beychevelle in the south of the St-Julien appellation. From the supremely underrated 2006 vintage, this is not a blockbuster wine in the mould of the 2000, 2003 or 2005, rather it is a nicely-defined, elegant and aromatically complex release that is perfect for nearer-term drinking.