Château Branaire-Ducru - Saint-Julien 1.5 L 1985

Château Branaire-Ducru used to be part of Château Beychevelle before Beychevelle was broken up in the mid-17th century to pay the debts of then-owner Bernard Nogaret de la Valette. In 1680, what became Branaire-Ducru was bought by Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, who, along with 19th-century owner Gustave Ducru, gave the estate its name. Classified as 4th Growth in 1855, Branaire-Ducru was purchased by Patrick Maroteaux in 1988, who immediately set out to improve the vineyards, cellar and reputation of the estate. After moving full-time to Saint-Julien in the late 1990's, Patrick became a leading figure in Bordeaux, holding the presidency of Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) between 2001 and 2008, then became president of the St-Julien appellation as well as remaining vice-president of the UGC. Sadly, Patrick passed in 2017, and the estate is now in the capable hands of his son, François-Xavier Maroteaux, who continues his father's legacy of excellence.