CHATEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU. SAINT -JULIEN, FRANCE.

Classified as a Fourth Growth Grand Cru Classe in 1855, I visited Chateau Branaire Ducru Owners, Patrick & Evelyn Maroteaux, who have managed the estate since 1988.  This gorgeous estate is located in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Medoc region of Bordeaux.  With a mix of grape varieties - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, it has become one of the elite wines of Bordeaux. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick at the Le Cinq dinner hosted by the Commanderie De Bordeaux at Gerry Sayers & Ernst Dorfler's magnificent Five Sails Restaurant in Pan Pacific Hotel.  Then visited them both for a tour of the estate, winery and a private luncheon with friends at their home.