"Unabashed in its ripeness and conveying plenty of extract, the Branaire-Ducru is among the weightier workings of the Saint-Julien class of 2005. Its frontal fleshiness reminds a bit of a fine Pomerol, but its ample tannins are those of Left Bank Bordeaux. A deep and sturdy and ageworthy wine, it could do with slightly longer aging than its mates, and eight to ten years in the cellar should do the trick."