The 2009 Chateau Branaire-Ducru from the prestigious appellation of Saint Julien is a classic Bordeaux that does justice to its noble pedigree and acclaimed vintage.  Aromatics of cassis, forest floor, wet stone, and baked quince backed by leaves and brick, give way to gorgeous black and red fruit flavors, with a little licorice and spice as well.  A proverbial ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’, the wine starts out silky and round on the palate, before yielding to the firm, dry, Left Bank tannins one expects in the Medoc.  If you happen to have a child born in 2009, this wine is certain to improve until their 21st birthday and most likely beyond.