Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St. Julien Bordeaux, Complete Guide

ducru-beaucaillou-2016

Learn everything about Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St. Julien Second Growth with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou History, Overview

Many Bordeaux properties take their name from previous owners. That is only part of the story with Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou because this Saint Julien estate found part of their name from their unique terroir. Ducru Beaucaillou has special soils that are literally covered with large stones. In fact, the word Beaucaillou is translated into beautiful stones.

Ducru Beaucaillou is one of the oldest estates in the Medoc. History dates what we know of as Ducru Beaucaillou all the back to the start of the 13th century. Bertrand Ducru purchased the estate in 1795. He added his name to the winery which quickly earned fame under the name of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou. The owner was not done yet. Ducru Beaucaillou hired the well-known Parisian architect, Paul Abadie, to create the chateau.

Paul Abadie took the current design they were already using adding a second story to the chateau which became the now-famous-looking facade we enjoy today. They also upgraded the vineyards and built a new, barrel-aging cellar.

Following more than seven decades at the helm of Ducru Beaucaillou, they sold the property to Lucie Caroline Dassier in 1866 for one million Francs. Keep in mind, at the time, one million French Francs was a lot of money! Dassier was the wife of the famous negociant Nathaniel Johnston.

Nathaniel Johnston knew what was needed at Ducru Beaucaillou. Johnston replanted the vineyards and modernized the cellars with the aid of Ernest David, the manager of the Left Bank estate.

At Ducru Beaucaillou, Johnston and David performed numerous experiments on grape varietals and vine diseases. Thanks to their efforts, in 1878 they created the first solution to the mildew problem so many Bordeaux vineyards suffered from. Known as Bordeaux soup, the blend of lime milk and copper sulfate was the perfect cure. This was quickly adopted by winemakers and vineyard owners all over the world.

The 1929 depression forced the Johnston family to sell Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou to the Desbarats family. The Desbarats family, who were successful wine merchants sold the estate to Francis Borie in 1941.

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, The Modern Era

The Borie family by this time had extensive roots in the Bordeaux region. They moved to Bordeaux in the late 1800s and started out as negociants. Today, the Borie family also own Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste in Pauillac as well as other vineyards in the region.

In 1953, Jean Eugene Borie took over the property from his father, Francois Borie. In 1978, Francois Xavier Borie began working at the estate full time, eventually taking over from his father after his passing in 1998. That continued until 2003.

Bruno Borie takes over Ducru Beaucaillou

Since 2003, Bruno Borie has been the current proprietor and is firmly in charge of everything that takes place at Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is producing the best wines in its history today. That is something you can easily see by tasting the wines, and that says a lot, considering how many great wines were produced at the estate over the years. Much of that credit goes to Bruno Borie.

Prior to the ascendancy of Bruno Borie at the property, there was an issue with TCA contamination in the cellars of Ducru Beaucaillou. The problem vintages occurred from 1986 up to about 1993 or 1994. By 1995, the problem had been fully eradicated.

Furthermore, under the direction of Bruno Borie, all the remaining stock of their older vintages from that period was recorked. All the bottles showing hints of TCA were destroyed. The minor amount of remaining stock that has been released, stating the bottles have been recorked are in perfect condition.

Ducru Beaucaillou Bruno Borie

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou Vineyard, Terroir, Grapes, WInemaking

The 75-hectare vineyard of Ducru Beaucaillou is planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This shows a change in the vineyard since the mid-1990s with an increase in the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot due to the removal of the previously planted Petit Verdot vines.

The average age of the vines is 35 years. However, Ducru Beaucaillou has old vines. Their oldest plot is the Les Sadons parcel which was planted all the way back in 1918. The heart and soul of the Ducru Beaucaillou vineyard are their vines planted adjacent to the chateau.

Even though that portion of their vineyard is large, at close to 50 hectares of vines, with its easy access to the Gironde and deep gravel slopes, this is some of the best terroirs in all of Bordeaux. Additionally, they have another 20 hectares of vines located further inland, and to the north, close to Chateau Talbot. Starting with the 2018 vintage, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou began its conversion to 100% organic farming methods.

The vines are planted to a density of 10,000 vines per hectare. Each parcel is planted to the specific needs of its soils and topography. In addition, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou also owns 16 hectares of vines located in the neighboring Haut Medoc appellation.

The vines in the Haut Medoc are situated in the commune of Cussac. There you find a very different and much cooler terroir than their vineyards in the St. Julien appellation.

Due to the fact that those vines were part of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou at the time of the original classification, even though they are located in the neighboring appellation of Haut Medoc, the estate has the right to include them in either their Grand Vin or Lalande Borie. They can also if they wish, produce a Haut Medoc wine from those vines.

Going back to Lalande Borie, it remained an important winery for Bruno Borie, because that is where he often experimented with new techniques before introducing them to Ducru Beaucaillou. Lalande Borie ceased to exist after the 2018 vintage. It was replaced by Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou, which is considered a third wine of Ducru Beaucaillou.

To produce the wine of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, the grapes are allowed to macerate for close to 7 days. Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats of various sizes allowing for a plot by plot vinification. The entire process takes about two weeks, with the frequency of pumping over and exact temperature tailored to each individual vat.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in concrete vats. The wine of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is aged in 75% to 90% new, French oak barrels for between 18 and 20 months. The amount of time and new oak varies depending on the vintage.

This shows an increase in the percentage of new, oak barrels. As an example, prior to 2007, the percentage of new oak barrels used during the aging process was closer to 60% to 70%. On average, close to 10,000 cases of wine are produced by Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou every year.

Bruno Borie produces four additional wines with the help of the same team that makes the wines for Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou; La Croix de Beaucaillou, which made its debut in 1995. The name was changed to La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou.

La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou is not a second wine as it comes from vines not used to produce Ducru Beaucaillou. Those vines are located further inland, close to Chateau Talbot. Previously, the wine was sold under the name of Chateau Terrey-Gros-Caillou.

The vines for Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou are placed closer to the chateau, not far from the Gironde. There is also a special Cuvee of La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou, Cuvee Colbert which is the same wine with a different aging process. However, not much Cuvee Colbert is produced as the average production is only 500 cases per vintage.

Lalande-Borie, came from fruit grown in parcels purchased from their St. Julien neighbor, Chateau Lagrange in 1970, Chateau Fourcas Borie, which comes from the Listrac in the Haut Medoc region and Chateau Hortevie which was purchased by Bruno Borie in 2006. Chateau Hortevie is located in the St. Julien appellation. However, Hortevie is no longer in production.

2010 Ducru

Part of the reason for the rise in quality in the wine of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is that only the best fruit from specific parcels is used to produce Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou.

Similar to what used to take place at every Bordeaux chateaux, the amount of wine placed in the Grand Vin today, is close to half of what it was even as recent as 1982.

With Ducru Beaucaillou during the 1980s, production hovered between 20,000 cases to 25,000 cases. In the 1990s, Ducru Beaucaillou produced between 15,000 cases and 20,000 cases of wine. Since Bruno Borie began managing Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou in 2003, production levels dropped to an average of 9,000 to 11,000 cases.

The best vintages of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2000, 1996, 1982 and 1961. I have not tasted many pre-1961 vintages of Ducru Beaucaillou. But it is a wine that ages extremely well, so if the bottles have been stored well, they are well worth taking a chance on.

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou Character, Style

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is at the top of their game these days. The wines produced today offer an intense concentration of flavors, ripe tannins, supple textures, purity of fruit, the structure to age, and a unique sense of harmony, that is only found in the best Bordeaux wines.

There is density, complexity and uniqueness of character. 2009 and 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou are the finest examples I’ve ever tasted from this property. They are candidates for legendary status in the history of Ducru Beaucaillou.

When to Drink Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is not a wine to drink on the young side. The wine is usually far too tannic, powerful, and reserved during its youth. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 3-4 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is usually better with at least 15 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 18 and 50 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Ducru Beaucaillou is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

www.chateau-ducru-beaucaillou.com

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Wine Tasting Notes

76 Vintages 1,428,376 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
99
Inky dark in color, the wine exudes blackberries, smoke, currants, nutmeg, flowers, Cuban cigar wrapper, black cherries, smoke, and spice in the nose. On the palate, the wine is dense, and intense, yet light on its feet with seemingly, endless waves of deep, black and red, spicy fruits. There is symmetry, balance, and freshness on the palate. The tannins are present, silky, and refined. The wine is silky, supple, creamy, and seamless in the finish, which moves from black fruits, to red fruits and back to black fruits with spice, and accents of mint and a touch of citrus at the very end of the finish, which lingers for at least 60 seconds. Ducru Beaucaillou has been on an unstoppable roll since 2009. Produced from blending 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, 14% ABV, 3.8 pH. Picking took place September 7 -- October 4. Drink from 2028-2065. 98-100 Pts.

Inky dark in color, the wine exudes blackberries, smoke, currants, nutmeg, flowers, Cuban cigar wrapper, black cherries, smoke, and spice in the nose. On the palate, the wine is dense, and intense, yet light on its feet with seemingly, endless waves of deep, black and red, spicy fruits. There is symmetry, balance, and freshness on the palate. The tannins are present, silky, and refined. The wine is silky, supple, creamy, and seamless in the finish, which moves from black fruits, to red fruits and back to black fruits with spice, and accents of mint and a touch of citrus at the very end of the finish, which lingers for at least 60 seconds. Ducru Beaucaillou has been on an unstoppable roll since 2009. Produced from blending 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, 14% ABV, 3.8 pH. Picking took place September 7 -- October 4. Drink from 2028-2065. 98-100 Pts.

2,721 Views   Tasted
2022
94
Quite floral in nature, you also find mint, cassis, and tobacco leaf. The palate is where the wine shines with its sweet, ripe, plums, black cherries, cocoa, soft tannins and polished, sense of refinement in the mid palate and in the finish. The wine is a blend of 66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. 14% ABV. Drink from 2025-2040. 93-95 Pts.

Quite floral in nature, you also find mint, cassis, and tobacco leaf. The palate is where the wine shines with its sweet, ripe, plums, black cherries, cocoa, soft tannins and polished, sense of refinement in the mid palate and in the finish. The wine is a blend of 66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. 14% ABV. Drink from 2025-2040. 93-95 Pts.

2,732 Views   Tasted
2022
92
Black cherries, and flowers with a hint of licorice on the backend of the nose. The medium-bodied wine is soft, forward, fresh, and fruity, with cocoa-dusted black raspberries, and a hint of peppery spice on the chalky back end of the finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2025-2035. 91-93 Pts.

Black cherries, and flowers with a hint of licorice on the backend of the nose. The medium-bodied wine is soft, forward, fresh, and fruity, with cocoa-dusted black raspberries, and a hint of peppery spice on the chalky back end of the finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2025-2035. 91-93 Pts.

2,711 Views   Tasted
2021
97
Classy, and classic, elegant, and refined, I love the purity in the red fruits here in nose, and on the palate. Produced from the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the estate, with just a bit of effort you find its aromatic wealth displaying cherries, blackberries, tobacco leaf, flowers, mint, espresso. and spices. The palate is vibrant, regal, slightly firm, crisp, and energetic. The finish delivers its red berries with their spicy edge, and delicate sprig of mint easily. The wine blends 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2060.

Classy, and classic, elegant, and refined, I love the purity in the red fruits here in nose, and on the palate. Produced from the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the estate, with just a bit of effort you find its aromatic wealth displaying cherries, blackberries, tobacco leaf, flowers, mint, espresso. and spices. The palate is vibrant, regal, slightly firm, crisp, and energetic. The finish delivers its red berries with their spicy edge, and delicate sprig of mint easily. The wine blends 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2060.

263 Views   Tasted
Cigar box, tobacco leaf, wet earth, blackberry, flowers, and black currants fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, polished, soft, and energetic, with a spice, and leafy-tinted finish that leaves you with dark cherries and currants on the backend. There is length, purity, lift, and softness in the finish. This is one of the potential candidates for wine of the vintage. Classic (In a modern way) in style, the wine is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot. This is the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the estate. 12.5% ABV, 3.88 pH, The yields were a scant 25 hectoliters per hectare. Harvest took place September 28 - October 11. Drink from 2026-2055. 95-97

Cigar box, tobacco leaf, wet earth, blackberry, flowers, and black currants fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, polished, soft, and energetic, with a spice, and leafy-tinted finish that leaves you with dark cherries and currants on the backend. There is length, purity, lift, and softness in the finish. This is one of the potential candidates for wine of the vintage. Classic (In a modern way) in style, the wine is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot. This is the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the estate. 12.5% ABV, 3.88 pH, The yields were a scant 25 hectoliters per hectare. Harvest took place September 28 - October 11. Drink from 2026-2055. 95-97

2,609 Views   Tasted
2021
92
Showing much better in the bottle, than it did in the barrel, now, you find flowers, currants, cigar wrapper, cedar and mint in the perfume. The palate is equal to the nose with its freshness, elegance, and racy edge to the salty, savory, tobacco-edged, red fruits and mint. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2038.

Showing much better in the bottle, than it did in the barrel, now, you find flowers, currants, cigar wrapper, cedar and mint in the perfume. The palate is equal to the nose with its freshness, elegance, and racy edge to the salty, savory, tobacco-edged, red fruits and mint. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2038.

231 Views   Tasted
2021
91
With a floral and plum filled nose, the wine is soft, silky, fresh and polished, with black cherries, mint leaf, bright, red currants and green olives in the finish. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. 12.5% ABV, Drink from 2024-2035. 90-92

With a floral and plum filled nose, the wine is soft, silky, fresh and polished, with black cherries, mint leaf, bright, red currants and green olives in the finish. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. 12.5% ABV, Drink from 2024-2035. 90-92

2,125 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Medium-bodied with a core of tobacco, citrus, currants, flowers, and red plums. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, forward, and light on its feet with a crisp, chewy, red plum, and red currant, dusty finish. Drink from 2024-2034.

Medium-bodied with a core of tobacco, citrus, currants, flowers, and red plums. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, forward, and light on its feet with a crisp, chewy, red plum, and red currant, dusty finish. Drink from 2024-2034.

274 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Flowers and black raspberry aromas show up with ease in the perfume. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is soft, forward, sweet and fresh. The wine finishes with a touch of dark chocolate and red plums in the endnote. Drink from 2023-2032. 89-91

Flowers and black raspberry aromas show up with ease in the perfume. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is soft, forward, sweet and fresh. The wine finishes with a touch of dark chocolate and red plums in the endnote. Drink from 2023-2032. 89-91

2,112 Views   Tasted
2021
89
Tobacco leaf, plums, cherries, and a hint of cocoa pop in the nose. Already quite tasty in your glass, the wine is soft, energetic, sweet and fresh, with ample cherries and a light, but, judicious touch of chocolate and spearmint in the finish. Drink from 2024-2031.

Tobacco leaf, plums, cherries, and a hint of cocoa pop in the nose. Already quite tasty in your glass, the wine is soft, energetic, sweet and fresh, with ample cherries and a light, but, judicious touch of chocolate and spearmint in the finish. Drink from 2024-2031.

282 Views   Tasted
2020
98
With a dark hue, you instantly find incense, black cherries, flowers, spice, and a plethora of red and black fruits. The wine is concentrated, full-bodied, ripe, rich, soft, and polished. There is purity to the fruit, silk to the tannins, complexity on the mid-palate, and length in the finish. The fruit is bright, fresh, and pure with a beautiful sensation of elegance from start to finish. This gem should start to really unfurl after its 10th birthday and provide fabulous drinking for 25-35 years after that. This is a stunningly graceful Ducru Beaucaillou. Produced from blending 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, 13.5% ABV. Picking took place September 11 - September 30. Drink from 2027-2055.

With a dark hue, you instantly find incense, black cherries, flowers, spice, and a plethora of red and black fruits. The wine is concentrated, full-bodied, ripe, rich, soft, and polished. There is purity to the fruit, silk to the tannins, complexity on the mid-palate, and length in the finish. The fruit is bright, fresh, and pure with a beautiful sensation of elegance from start to finish. This gem should start to really unfurl after its 10th birthday and provide fabulous drinking for 25-35 years after that. This is a stunningly graceful Ducru Beaucaillou. Produced from blending 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, 13.5% ABV. Picking took place September 11 - September 30. Drink from 2027-2055.

3,891 Views   Tasted
Richly colored, the wine delivers a complex nose of cigar box, tobacco leaf, wet forest floor, camphor, red and black currants, blackberry and creme de cassis. Supple, sensuous, elegant and concentrated, the wine focuses on its refined character, purity of fruit and silky textures. Long, vibrant and incredibly refined, the finish builds as it lingers. This gem should start to really unfurl after its 10th birthday and provide fabulous drinking for 25-35 years after that. Not as powerful as some recent vintages, instead this is a stunningly graceful Ducru Beaucaillou. Produced from blending 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, 13.5% ABV. Picking took place September 11 - September 30. Yields were low at close to 30 hectoliters per hectare. To celebrate 300 years of Ducru Beaucaillou, the estate created a special bottling for one-time-only bottle. 97-99 Pts

Richly colored, the wine delivers a complex nose of cigar box, tobacco leaf, wet forest floor, camphor, red and black currants, blackberry and creme de cassis. Supple, sensuous, elegant and concentrated, the wine focuses on its refined character, purity of fruit and silky textures. Long, vibrant and incredibly refined, the finish builds as it lingers. This gem should start to really unfurl after its 10th birthday and provide fabulous drinking for 25-35 years after that. Not as powerful as some recent vintages, instead this is a stunningly graceful Ducru Beaucaillou. Produced from blending 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, 13.5% ABV. Picking took place September 11 - September 30. Yields were low at close to 30 hectoliters per hectare. To celebrate 300 years of Ducru Beaucaillou, the estate created a special bottling for one-time-only bottle. 97-99 Pts

11,612 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Mint leaf, tobacco wrapper, cherries, herbs, spice, and currants. The wine is forward, soft, polished, round, fruity, bright, and fresh, with ripe dark, red fruits that create the sapid finish. The elegant finish with its black cherry, mocha, and spice nuances tastes as good as it feels. Hold this for 3-5 years before opening a bottle and it will really start showing its essence. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2038.

Mint leaf, tobacco wrapper, cherries, herbs, spice, and currants. The wine is forward, soft, polished, round, fruity, bright, and fresh, with ripe dark, red fruits that create the sapid finish. The elegant finish with its black cherry, mocha, and spice nuances tastes as good as it feels. Hold this for 3-5 years before opening a bottle and it will really start showing its essence. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2038.

3,012 Views   Tasted
Tobacco, cedar, mint leaf, cigar box and black currants come together on the nose. The wine is refined, soft and supple with silky tannins, ripe, sweet, fruits, lift and freshness. The elegant finish with its black cherry, mocha and spice nuances tastes as good as it feels. Hold this for 3-5 years before opening a bottle and it will really start showing its essence. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. 92-94 Pts

Tobacco, cedar, mint leaf, cigar box and black currants come together on the nose. The wine is refined, soft and supple with silky tannins, ripe, sweet, fruits, lift and freshness. The elegant finish with its black cherry, mocha and spice nuances tastes as good as it feels. Hold this for 3-5 years before opening a bottle and it will really start showing its essence. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. 92-94 Pts

5,288 Views   Tasted
2020
91
Leafy, spicy nuances with red fruits and tobacco nuances are all over the place here on the nose and fresh, fruity palate. This is ready to go. You can think of it as a baby Ducru Beaucaillou, as it is essentially the third wine of Ducru. Drink from 2023-2031. Drink from 2023-2032.

Leafy, spicy nuances with red fruits and tobacco nuances are all over the place here on the nose and fresh, fruity palate. This is ready to go. You can think of it as a baby Ducru Beaucaillou, as it is essentially the third wine of Ducru. Drink from 2023-2031. Drink from 2023-2032.

1,698 Views   Tasted
Tobacco, spice and red fruits come forward easily. Medium-bodied, soft, supple, fresh and forward define this wine. This charmer is already a pleasure to drink, you can think of it as a baby Ducru Beaucaillou, as it is essentially the third wine of Ducru. 90-92 Pts

Tobacco, spice and red fruits come forward easily. Medium-bodied, soft, supple, fresh and forward define this wine. This charmer is already a pleasure to drink, you can think of it as a baby Ducru Beaucaillou, as it is essentially the third wine of Ducru. 90-92 Pts

3,661 Views   Tasted
2019
99
Compelling from start to finish, the black, purple color invites you in. From there, the perfume, with its array of flowers, black, red, and blue fruit, chocolate, espresso, licorice, and liqueur lets you know you are in for a treat. And, that happens as soon as the multiple waves of fruit start coating your palate with their layers of perfectly ripe, silky, seductive, fresh, opulent, velvety, pure black, red, and blueberries. Along with 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, this is in line to be one of the best vintages ever produced at Ducru Beaucaillou! The wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot. Drink from 2030-2065.

Compelling from start to finish, the black, purple color invites you in. From there, the perfume, with its array of flowers, black, red, and blue fruit, chocolate, espresso, licorice, and liqueur lets you know you are in for a treat. And, that happens as soon as the multiple waves of fruit start coating your palate with their layers of perfectly ripe, silky, seductive, fresh, opulent, velvety, pure black, red, and blueberries. Along with 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, this is in line to be one of the best vintages ever produced at Ducru Beaucaillou! The wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot. Drink from 2030-2065.

8,670 Views   Tasted
Inky, deep, shiny purple in color, the wine looks just great in your glass. From there, the nose with its potent bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, and blueberries, along with complexities of licorice, smoke, espresso, cigar box, tobacco leaf, flowers, spice, and lead pencil begins to reel you in. There is depth, concentration, and richness, yet the wine is fresh, balanced, pure, and vibrant. The almost seamless finish resonates with layers of mouth-filling, opulent, sensuous, creamy black and blue fruits that stick with you for over 50 seconds. It is going to be a treat to taste and compare the 18, 19, and 20 for the next generations. Give this beauty some time in the cellar and you will have one of the wines of the vintage. Drink from 2030-2060.

Inky, deep, shiny purple in color, the wine looks just great in your glass. From there, the nose with its potent bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, and blueberries, along with complexities of licorice, smoke, espresso, cigar box, tobacco leaf, flowers, spice, and lead pencil begins to reel you in. There is depth, concentration, and richness, yet the wine is fresh, balanced, pure, and vibrant. The almost seamless finish resonates with layers of mouth-filling, opulent, sensuous, creamy black and blue fruits that stick with you for over 50 seconds. It is going to be a treat to taste and compare the 18, 19, and 20 for the next generations. Give this beauty some time in the cellar and you will have one of the wines of the vintage. Drink from 2030-2060.

14,191 Views   Tasted
Deep, dark almost opaque in color, the wine is packed to the gills with smoke, flowers, black currants, bitter chocolate and black cherries, Full-bodied, intense, concentrated and palate coating, everything is in perfect harmony here, Long, lush, opulent and most importantly, with this gorgeous sense of purity to the fruits and chocolate overtones, the finish passes the 60-second mark with ease. The blend was made with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. The wine reached 14.2% ABV with a pH of 3.8. The harvest took place from September 20 to October 3. A nice tidbit for you, the Cabernet was harvested in only 3 days, October 1-3 with 180 pickers. The Grand Vin was produced from only 27% of the harvest with yields averaging 35 hectoliters per hectare. 98-100 Pts

Deep, dark almost opaque in color, the wine is packed to the gills with smoke, flowers, black currants, bitter chocolate and black cherries, Full-bodied, intense, concentrated and palate coating, everything is in perfect harmony here, Long, lush, opulent and most importantly, with this gorgeous sense of purity to the fruits and chocolate overtones, the finish passes the 60-second mark with ease. The blend was made with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. The wine reached 14.2% ABV with a pH of 3.8. The harvest took place from September 20 to October 3. A nice tidbit for you, the Cabernet was harvested in only 3 days, October 1-3 with 180 pickers. The Grand Vin was produced from only 27% of the harvest with yields averaging 35 hectoliters per hectare. 98-100 Pts

11,655 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Polished, fresh, elegant and loaded with currants, cherries, tobacco, smoke, licorice, espresso and leafy herbs, the wine is medium-bodied, forward, juicy and vibrant with lift, energy and refinement on the palate and in the fruit-filled, soft-textured finish. Drink from 2023-2036.

Polished, fresh, elegant and loaded with currants, cherries, tobacco, smoke, licorice, espresso and leafy herbs, the wine is medium-bodied, forward, juicy and vibrant with lift, energy and refinement on the palate and in the fruit-filled, soft-textured finish. Drink from 2023-2036.

5,659 Views   Tasted
Black currants, flowers, vanilla, dried cherry and blackberry aromas come through loud and clear on the nose. Fresh, vibrant, silky, long and juicy, the currants and blackberries continue flowing in the creamy, medium/full-bodied finish. This could be the finest vintage of La Croix Ducru--Beaucaillou produced at the estate. Clearly, this is a wine of Classified Growth quality. From a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 14.3% ABV and is aging in 60% new, French oak barrels for 12 months. 92-94 Pts

Black currants, flowers, vanilla, dried cherry and blackberry aromas come through loud and clear on the nose. Fresh, vibrant, silky, long and juicy, the currants and blackberries continue flowing in the creamy, medium/full-bodied finish. This could be the finest vintage of La Croix Ducru--Beaucaillou produced at the estate. Clearly, this is a wine of Classified Growth quality. From a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 14.3% ABV and is aging in 60% new, French oak barrels for 12 months. 92-94 Pts

5,834 Views   Tasted
2019
91
Medium-bodied, forward, elegant and already showing a nice Saint Julien character, the wine offers fresh, red currants, touches of tobacco leaf, cedar, and licorice. Soft in texture, with loads of sweet red berries in the finish, this is perfect for ordering in bistros and for drinking over the next 12-15 years. Drink from 2023-2032.

Medium-bodied, forward, elegant and already showing a nice Saint Julien character, the wine offers fresh, red currants, touches of tobacco leaf, cedar, and licorice. Soft in texture, with loads of sweet red berries in the finish, this is perfect for ordering in bistros and for drinking over the next 12-15 years. Drink from 2023-2032.

2,610 Views   Tasted
A new name and identity for Lalande de Borie, this well-priced Saint Julien is loaded with black currants, earth, herbs, tobacco leaf, round, ripe tannins and a juicy, red fruit character that will drink well early, and yet, also has the ability to age for 12 - 15 years. The wine blends 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot reaching 14.2% ABV.

A new name and identity for Lalande de Borie, this well-priced Saint Julien is loaded with black currants, earth, herbs, tobacco leaf, round, ripe tannins and a juicy, red fruit character that will drink well early, and yet, also has the ability to age for 12 - 15 years. The wine blends 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot reaching 14.2% ABV.

4,724 Views   Tasted
2018
99
Inky, almost fully opaque in color, aromatically, the wine pops with its showy display of dark red and black fruits, flowers, licorice, smoke, espresso, dark chocolate, and cigar box. But, the showy aromatics pale in comparison to the incredibly rich, opulent, full-bodied, lush palate. The non-stop layers of velvet-drenched fruits stop you in your tracks! The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. This is a clear candidate for 100 Pts as it develops. Drink from 2028-2065.

Inky, almost fully opaque in color, aromatically, the wine pops with its showy display of dark red and black fruits, flowers, licorice, smoke, espresso, dark chocolate, and cigar box. But, the showy aromatics pale in comparison to the incredibly rich, opulent, full-bodied, lush palate. The non-stop layers of velvet-drenched fruits stop you in your tracks! The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. This is a clear candidate for 100 Pts as it develops. Drink from 2028-2065.

5,319 Views   Tasted
Intensely colored, the wine is completely opaque. The next thing you notice is the aromatics which pop thanks to the array of flowers, black and dark red fruits, forest floor, espresso, wet earth, tobacco leaf and bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, concentrated, rich, deep, opulent, fresh and intense, the wine coats your palate and sticks with you. This is a good thing because it is difficult not to want more of all those sweet, ripe, luscious fruits. The purity, symmetry and length keep on going for close to 60 seconds! Give it at least 12-15 years to age and it could hit the triple digit mark! The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot, 14.5% ABV. The Grand Vin was made from only 35% of the harvest.

Intensely colored, the wine is completely opaque. The next thing you notice is the aromatics which pop thanks to the array of flowers, black and dark red fruits, forest floor, espresso, wet earth, tobacco leaf and bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, concentrated, rich, deep, opulent, fresh and intense, the wine coats your palate and sticks with you. This is a good thing because it is difficult not to want more of all those sweet, ripe, luscious fruits. The purity, symmetry and length keep on going for close to 60 seconds! Give it at least 12-15 years to age and it could hit the triple digit mark! The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot, 14.5% ABV. The Grand Vin was made from only 35% of the harvest.

5,453 Views   Tasted
Pitch black in color, the wine explodes in the glass with flowers, black fruits, wet earth, rocks, stones and a vintage cigar box from the Hotel Monte Carlo. The depth of fruit and flavor is surreal. The wine has authority. Baskets of red and black pit fruit drench your palate, staining your teeth. It is refined, well-designed and dances on air. This is a contender for the best vintage ever produced at Ducru and that is really saying something considering the incredible run of vintages produced here since 2005. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, reaching 14.5% ABV with a pH of 3.7 and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels for about 18 months. The harvest took place September 28-October 10. The Grand Vin was made from only 35% of the harvest. 98-100 Pts

Pitch black in color, the wine explodes in the glass with flowers, black fruits, wet earth, rocks, stones and a vintage cigar box from the Hotel Monte Carlo. The depth of fruit and flavor is surreal. The wine has authority. Baskets of red and black pit fruit drench your palate, staining your teeth. It is refined, well-designed and dances on air. This is a contender for the best vintage ever produced at Ducru and that is really saying something considering the incredible run of vintages produced here since 2005. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, reaching 14.5% ABV with a pH of 3.7 and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels for about 18 months. The harvest took place September 28-October 10. The Grand Vin was made from only 35% of the harvest. 98-100 Pts

7,356 Views   Tasted
2018
93
The floral notes and touch of spice add a lot to the soft medium/full-bodied wine. The fruit is ripe, sweet and fresh with good energy, richness, lift and length, finishing with soft, polished, ripe, red fruits that linger. If you can wait, give it a few years of cellaring before popping a cork and enjoy it over the next 12-15 years.

The floral notes and touch of spice add a lot to the soft medium/full-bodied wine. The fruit is ripe, sweet and fresh with good energy, richness, lift and length, finishing with soft, polished, ripe, red fruits that linger. If you can wait, give it a few years of cellaring before popping a cork and enjoy it over the next 12-15 years.

4,545 Views   Tasted
2018
93
The polish to the fruits and tannin is apparent from the get-go. Medium-bodied, elegant, ripe, fresh and extraordinarily juicy, you'll also find elements of espresso bean, ripe plum, blackberry and earth. There is depth of flavor and length. The wine is age-worthy so give it at least a few years before popping a cork and enjoy it over the next 12-15 years. From a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot and reaching 15% ABV. 92-94 Pts

The polish to the fruits and tannin is apparent from the get-go. Medium-bodied, elegant, ripe, fresh and extraordinarily juicy, you'll also find elements of espresso bean, ripe plum, blackberry and earth. There is depth of flavor and length. The wine is age-worthy so give it at least a few years before popping a cork and enjoy it over the next 12-15 years. From a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot and reaching 15% ABV. 92-94 Pts

5,821 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Cocoa, lead pencil, cassis, cedar, tobacco wrapper, and peppery spice on the nose are your introduction. The palate is medium/full-bodied, fresh, and vibrant, with dusty tannins, dried herbs, fresh, bright red currants, red plums, and cassis in the finish. Still young, this will need time in the cellar before it is ready for its prime time moment. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2050.

Cocoa, lead pencil, cassis, cedar, tobacco wrapper, and peppery spice on the nose are your introduction. The palate is medium/full-bodied, fresh, and vibrant, with dusty tannins, dried herbs, fresh, bright red currants, red plums, and cassis in the finish. Still young, this will need time in the cellar before it is ready for its prime time moment. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2050.

2,286 Views   Tasted
Freshness and accessibility are the hallmarks of this wine. The customary level of density is improved with added grace, elegance, pliability and an upbeat, spicy core of attention seeking fruits. This is not to say that the wine is light. It is to explain that power has been refined with approachability, brighter fruits and exceedingly silky tannins. The wine was made from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. The wine reached 13.51% ABV with a pH of 3.79. The harvest took place from September 18 to September 30.

Freshness and accessibility are the hallmarks of this wine. The customary level of density is improved with added grace, elegance, pliability and an upbeat, spicy core of attention seeking fruits. This is not to say that the wine is light. It is to explain that power has been refined with approachability, brighter fruits and exceedingly silky tannins. The wine was made from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. The wine reached 13.51% ABV with a pH of 3.79. The harvest took place from September 18 to September 30.

10,623 Views   Tasted
2017
92
Dried flowers, cocoa, plums, cherry and cassis create a wine that's fruity and fresh, sweet and round and light on its feet. The finish of licorice and ripe, red berries is easy to like and already delicious to drink. From a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.68% ABV and is aging in 60% new, French oak barrels.

Dried flowers, cocoa, plums, cherry and cassis create a wine that's fruity and fresh, sweet and round and light on its feet. The finish of licorice and ripe, red berries is easy to like and already delicious to drink. From a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.68% ABV and is aging in 60% new, French oak barrels.

4,894 Views   Tasted
2016
100
Power and purity with intensity, length, volume, style, and character, this is what great wine is all about. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling, yet, light on its feet, almost weightless. The tannins are refined, The wine is silky, The fruits, which express their purity are expansive. As good as the nose is, on the palate, the wine builds in all 4 directions. as it crosses your taste receptors and coats your palate, teeth, and gums. The finish is seamless, resonating for over 60 seconds!. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2030-2065.

Power and purity with intensity, length, volume, style, and character, this is what great wine is all about. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling, yet, light on its feet, almost weightless. The tannins are refined, The wine is silky, The fruits, which express their purity are expansive. As good as the nose is, on the palate, the wine builds in all 4 directions. as it crosses your taste receptors and coats your palate, teeth, and gums. The finish is seamless, resonating for over 60 seconds!. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2030-2065.

5,922 Views   Tasted
Powerful, intense, rich, long, full-bodied, and concentrated, the wine is almost off the charts. From start to finish, this is a wow wine! As good as the nose is, on the palate, the wine explodes. The fruit is expansive, building and moving as it coats your palate. The seamless finish hits every nook and cranny in your mouth with layer after layer of lush, opulent, complex fruits. Drink from 2030-2065.

Powerful, intense, rich, long, full-bodied, and concentrated, the wine is almost off the charts. From start to finish, this is a wow wine! As good as the nose is, on the palate, the wine explodes. The fruit is expansive, building and moving as it coats your palate. The seamless finish hits every nook and cranny in your mouth with layer after layer of lush, opulent, complex fruits. Drink from 2030-2065.

6,177 Views   Tasted
Voluptuous, silky, dense and rich, the wine hits your palate and stays there with layers of lusciously textured, perfectly ripe cassis and blackberries. Full-bodied, concentrated and balanced between power and elegance, this is a stunning example of Ducru Beaucaillou. It is hard to decide if I prefer the sensuality on the palate, the length or purity. So I did what needed to be done, I took another sip. And with this in your glass, you will do the same. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot.

Voluptuous, silky, dense and rich, the wine hits your palate and stays there with layers of lusciously textured, perfectly ripe cassis and blackberries. Full-bodied, concentrated and balanced between power and elegance, this is a stunning example of Ducru Beaucaillou. It is hard to decide if I prefer the sensuality on the palate, the length or purity. So I did what needed to be done, I took another sip. And with this in your glass, you will do the same. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot.

9,382 Views   Tasted
Opaque with shiny, purple highlights, this creation is brimming with flowers, licorice, dark berries, boysenberry, black cherry, smoke, espresso and a spot of wet earth on the nose. With velvet textures, density of fruit and a finish that remains with you for close to 60 seconds, this is a seldom-encountered purity of fruit, which is pulling ahead in the competition for the best Ducru Beaucaillou ever! Produced from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, the wine reached 13.63% ABV with a pH of 3.71 and is aging in 100% new French oak barrels. The Merlot was harvested from September 26 to September 30 and the Cabernet Sauvignon from October 7 to October 14. Yields were only 30 hectoliters per hectare.

Opaque with shiny, purple highlights, this creation is brimming with flowers, licorice, dark berries, boysenberry, black cherry, smoke, espresso and a spot of wet earth on the nose. With velvet textures, density of fruit and a finish that remains with you for close to 60 seconds, this is a seldom-encountered purity of fruit, which is pulling ahead in the competition for the best Ducru Beaucaillou ever! Produced from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, the wine reached 13.63% ABV with a pH of 3.71 and is aging in 100% new French oak barrels. The Merlot was harvested from September 26 to September 30 and the Cabernet Sauvignon from October 7 to October 14. Yields were only 30 hectoliters per hectare.

18,101 Views   Tasted
2016
92
Forward, fresh, medium-bodied, energetic, fruity and early drinking, the wine is already showing off its sweet, pure red fruits, tobacco leaf and earthy qualities. Give it just a few years in the cellar and will be fully ready to go.

Forward, fresh, medium-bodied, energetic, fruity and early drinking, the wine is already showing off its sweet, pure red fruits, tobacco leaf and earthy qualities. Give it just a few years in the cellar and will be fully ready to go.

2,805 Views   Tasted
Satiny, slick, ready fruits loosen your taste buds, displaying a wine with lift, length and character. The plums are perfect and the finish has lasting charm. From a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.44% ABV and is aging in 60% new French oak barrels.

Satiny, slick, ready fruits loosen your taste buds, displaying a wine with lift, length and character. The plums are perfect and the finish has lasting charm. From a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.44% ABV and is aging in 60% new French oak barrels.

5,565 Views   Tasted
2015
98
Deep, dark in color, the wine exudes a cigar box, tobacco leaf, flowers, black cherries, blackberries, crushed rock, clay, and lead pencil. If awards were given out for the most sensual vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou ever produced, 2015 earns the gold medal. Rich, full-bodied, opulent, sexy, and also vibrant, fresh, long, and intense, the fruit shows purity and intensity, but it is the silky textured, lingering finish that steals the show. Give this a few years and it is really going to shine. The wine blends 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2060.

Deep, dark in color, the wine exudes a cigar box, tobacco leaf, flowers, black cherries, blackberries, crushed rock, clay, and lead pencil. If awards were given out for the most sensual vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou ever produced, 2015 earns the gold medal. Rich, full-bodied, opulent, sexy, and also vibrant, fresh, long, and intense, the fruit shows purity and intensity, but it is the silky textured, lingering finish that steals the show. Give this a few years and it is really going to shine. The wine blends 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2060.

4,282 Views   Tasted
Deep, dark in color, the wine exudes cigar box, tobacco leaf, flowers, black cherries, blackberries, crushed rock, clay, and lead pencil. If awards were given out for the most sensual vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou ever produced, 2015 earns the gold medal. Rich, full-bodied, opulent, sexy, and also vibrant, fresh, long, and intense, the fruit shows purity and intensity, but it is the silky-textured, lingering finish that steals the show. Give this a few years and it is really going to shine. Drink from 2027-2060.

Deep, dark in color, the wine exudes cigar box, tobacco leaf, flowers, black cherries, blackberries, crushed rock, clay, and lead pencil. If awards were given out for the most sensual vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou ever produced, 2015 earns the gold medal. Rich, full-bodied, opulent, sexy, and also vibrant, fresh, long, and intense, the fruit shows purity and intensity, but it is the silky-textured, lingering finish that steals the show. Give this a few years and it is really going to shine. Drink from 2027-2060.

5,330 Views   Tasted
The complex array of aromatics offers cigar wrapper, wet earth, cedar wood, forest floor and dark red fruits. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, with sensuous, plush textures, density and complexity. The finish holds on for 50 seconds or so, building in intensity. This is rich, opulent and deep, with the structure to age for at least 3 decades with little effort..

The complex array of aromatics offers cigar wrapper, wet earth, cedar wood, forest floor and dark red fruits. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, with sensuous, plush textures, density and complexity. The finish holds on for 50 seconds or so, building in intensity. This is rich, opulent and deep, with the structure to age for at least 3 decades with little effort..

7,677 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, with a bit of purple around the rim, the wine feels silky, plush and rich on the palate, The sweet fruits have freshness and definition. The tannins are polished like velvet, leaving you with a long sensation of ripe boysenberries, dark chocolate, espresso, licorice and smoke. The finish really lingers on the palate. This is a tremendous wine for the vintage, equal to any of the First Growths. Produced from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, the wine reached 13.42% ABV with a pH of 3.89 and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. 96-98 Pts

Dark in color, with a bit of purple around the rim, the wine feels silky, plush and rich on the palate, The sweet fruits have freshness and definition. The tannins are polished like velvet, leaving you with a long sensation of ripe boysenberries, dark chocolate, espresso, licorice and smoke. The finish really lingers on the palate. This is a tremendous wine for the vintage, equal to any of the First Growths. Produced from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, the wine reached 13.42% ABV with a pH of 3.89 and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. 96-98 Pts

8,010 Views   Tasted
2015
92
Silky, supple, soft tannins help create a wine with a lot of charm. The fruits are forward, ripe, sweet and fresh, serving up their ripe plum, licorice and dark red fruit flavors with ease. Drink this now, or age it for 5 years for additional secondary nuances.

Silky, supple, soft tannins help create a wine with a lot of charm. The fruits are forward, ripe, sweet and fresh, serving up their ripe plum, licorice and dark red fruit flavors with ease. Drink this now, or age it for 5 years for additional secondary nuances.

4,713 Views   Tasted
Packed with dark red berries and cocoa, soft tannins, a medium body and plenty of ripe black raspberries, thyme and a hint of smoke, this is already showing that it could drink well early. From a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine is aging in 60% new French oak barrels. The tannins are soft, the wine is fresh and should drink well with just a few years of bottle age. From a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached is aging in 60% new French oak barrels. 91-93 Pts

Packed with dark red berries and cocoa, soft tannins, a medium body and plenty of ripe black raspberries, thyme and a hint of smoke, this is already showing that it could drink well early. From a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine is aging in 60% new French oak barrels. The tannins are soft, the wine is fresh and should drink well with just a few years of bottle age. From a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached is aging in 60% new French oak barrels. 91-93 Pts

3,905 Views   Tasted
2014
95
Surprisingly precocious, the wine already expresses charm, round, soft tannins, layers of black currants, cocoa, espresso, and blackberries. Round, soft, and forward, this is good to go now and is only going to get better with a few more years of cellaring. Drink from 2023-2040.

Surprisingly precocious, the wine already expresses charm, round, soft tannins, layers of black currants, cocoa, espresso, and blackberries. Round, soft, and forward, this is good to go now and is only going to get better with a few more years of cellaring. Drink from 2023-2040.

5,067 Views   Tasted
Deep, dark ruby with purple in its hue, this wine is brimming with smoke, espresso, blackberry, black cherry, licorice, earth, a whole spice box of aromatics and that’s just the foreplay. The lush velour textured tannins, layers of dark berry liqueur and the lasting sensation of fresh, perfectly ripened fruit elevates this wine to the next level. This is the best wine of the appellation and once again, one of the top wines in the vintage. Produced from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the wine reached 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.81 and is aging in 100% new French oak barrels. 95-96 Pts

Deep, dark ruby with purple in its hue, this wine is brimming with smoke, espresso, blackberry, black cherry, licorice, earth, a whole spice box of aromatics and that’s just the foreplay. The lush velour textured tannins, layers of dark berry liqueur and the lasting sensation of fresh, perfectly ripened fruit elevates this wine to the next level. This is the best wine of the appellation and once again, one of the top wines in the vintage. Produced from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the wine reached 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.81 and is aging in 100% new French oak barrels. 95-96 Pts

16,020 Views   Tasted
2014
91
Smoky, spicy and sweet, this smooth, fresh wine is packed with dark berries, a sprig of thyme and soft tannins. The wine will show well young or it can age for a decade. From a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.25% ABV and is aging in 60% new French oak barrels. 90-92 Pts

Smoky, spicy and sweet, this smooth, fresh wine is packed with dark berries, a sprig of thyme and soft tannins. The wine will show well young or it can age for a decade. From a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.25% ABV and is aging in 60% new French oak barrels. 90-92 Pts

4,799 Views   Tasted
2013
91
Fresh, bright medium-bodied, chalky strawberries and cranberries with tea notes on the nose and palate. The wine is soft, and fully developed, and should be consumed over the next few years. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. This is quite an achievement for the vintage. Drink from 2023-2029.

Fresh, bright medium-bodied, chalky strawberries and cranberries with tea notes on the nose and palate. The wine is soft, and fully developed, and should be consumed over the next few years. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. This is quite an achievement for the vintage. Drink from 2023-2029.

1,818 Views   Tasted
Fresh, forward and charming, while it lacks the complexity and power experienced in the best vintages, there is a richness here that is quite impressive for a 2013 wine. The sweet, ripe, plums and cassis are right there where you need them. This is a vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou to drink early in life while you wait for the bigger, more powerful years too age and develop.

Fresh, forward and charming, while it lacks the complexity and power experienced in the best vintages, there is a richness here that is quite impressive for a 2013 wine. The sweet, ripe, plums and cassis are right there where you need them. This is a vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou to drink early in life while you wait for the bigger, more powerful years too age and develop.

5,378 Views   Tasted
Blending 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this garnet-colored wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.60. The wine will be aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 12 months. With medium body and soft, polished texture, the wine showcases vanilla bean, forest leaf, tobacco, cedar wood and cherry pipe tobacco. Showing a much-needed light touch in this vintage, the wine is soft, forward and will offer pleasure young. The wine was produced from yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare and represents less than 30% of the total crop. 92-93 Pts

Blending 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this garnet-colored wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.60. The wine will be aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 12 months. With medium body and soft, polished texture, the wine showcases vanilla bean, forest leaf, tobacco, cedar wood and cherry pipe tobacco. Showing a much-needed light touch in this vintage, the wine is soft, forward and will offer pleasure young. The wine was produced from yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare and represents less than 30% of the total crop. 92-93 Pts

11,013 Views   Tasted
2013
87
In this open and forward medium-bodied wine, fennel, smoke and black cherry aromas lead in to light, fresh black raspberries. From a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine will age in 60% new French oak barrels. Drink this on the young side. 87-88 Pts

In this open and forward medium-bodied wine, fennel, smoke and black cherry aromas lead in to light, fresh black raspberries. From a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine will age in 60% new French oak barrels. Drink this on the young side. 87-88 Pts

5,845 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Cigar box, cedar, flowers, forest leaf, spice, tobacco wrapper, cocoa, and strawberry with currants bringing up the fruit side, the wine is fresh, close to fully developed, and ready for its prime-time drinking window. This is drinking beautifully today. Blended from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2045.

Cigar box, cedar, flowers, forest leaf, spice, tobacco wrapper, cocoa, and strawberry with currants bringing up the fruit side, the wine is fresh, close to fully developed, and ready for its prime-time drinking window. This is drinking beautifully today. Blended from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2045.

2,368 Views   Tasted
The complex, earthy, campfire, tobacco, cedar and dark berry filled nose opens to a wine with round tannins and a sweet, fresh, spicy dark fruit filled finish.

The complex, earthy, campfire, tobacco, cedar and dark berry filled nose opens to a wine with round tannins and a sweet, fresh, spicy dark fruit filled finish.

5,766 Views   Tasted
Produced from a blend that includes the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon recorded in the history of the estate at 91%. The remainder of the blend is Merlot. Reaching 13% ABV, the wine has a pH of 3.61. Smoke, licorice, boysenberry, coffee, and tobacco leaf notes produced a refined wine, which relies more on elegance than power. The wine offers good freshness in its medium-bodied, red and black fruit-filled finish. Bruno Borie, who has started comparing the style of his wines to various beautiful women, likened this wine to Fan BingBing, the famous Chinese actress. Her style was slinky and sensuous and, according to Borie, accurately describes the 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou. 93-95 Pts

Produced from a blend that includes the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon recorded in the history of the estate at 91%. The remainder of the blend is Merlot. Reaching 13% ABV, the wine has a pH of 3.61. Smoke, licorice, boysenberry, coffee, and tobacco leaf notes produced a refined wine, which relies more on elegance than power. The wine offers good freshness in its medium-bodied, red and black fruit-filled finish. Bruno Borie, who has started comparing the style of his wines to various beautiful women, likened this wine to Fan BingBing, the famous Chinese actress. Her style was slinky and sensuous and, according to Borie, accurately describes the 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou. 93-95 Pts

12,763 Views   Tasted
2012
88
Cigar box, earth, tobacco, cedar and blackberry notes lead to a soft bite of blackberries and spice that will improve over the next few years.

Cigar box, earth, tobacco, cedar and blackberry notes lead to a soft bite of blackberries and spice that will improve over the next few years.

2,885 Views   Tasted
2012 Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot that reached 13.10% ABV, and will be aged in 60% new French oak for 12 months. Coffee bean, boysenberry, licorice, and a fresh cherry finish are the hallmarks of what you’ll find in this medium-bodied wine. 88-90 Pts

2012 Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot that reached 13.10% ABV, and will be aged in 60% new French oak for 12 months. Coffee bean, boysenberry, licorice, and a fresh cherry finish are the hallmarks of what you’ll find in this medium-bodied wine. 88-90 Pts

4,031 Views   Tasted
2011
93
Cigar box, underbrush, blackberries, flowers, and lead pencil show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is ready to go with its soft, polished, sweet red plum and currant core of fruits. Charming in style, with loads of refreshing mint at the back of the finish, this is drinking beautifully today. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2041.

Cigar box, underbrush, blackberries, flowers, and lead pencil show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is ready to go with its soft, polished, sweet red plum and currant core of fruits. Charming in style, with loads of refreshing mint at the back of the finish, this is drinking beautifully today. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2041.

2,413 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, glossy, fresh, soft, dark red fruits feel just fine on your palate. Soft, light in weight and not overly long, still, the tannins feel good and the wine has a nice, earthy, fruity nature that can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15 years.

Medium-bodied, glossy, fresh, soft, dark red fruits feel just fine on your palate. Soft, light in weight and not overly long, still, the tannins feel good and the wine has a nice, earthy, fruity nature that can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15 years.

5,081 Views   Tasted
With an earthy, herbal, olive and blackberry nose, this forward styled, open wine is light, fresh, clean and silky. Dominated by sweet, ripe black cherries in the end note, this will be drinkable on release and will get better with age. This is a very sold performance in a difficult vintage.

With an earthy, herbal, olive and blackberry nose, this forward styled, open wine is light, fresh, clean and silky. Dominated by sweet, ripe black cherries in the end note, this will be drinkable on release and will get better with age. This is a very sold performance in a difficult vintage.

10,404 Views   Tasted
Produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, which reached 13.10% ABV, the wine will be aged in 95% new oak for 18 months. With the lowest yields in 25 years, production will be close to 25% less than in the previous vintage. Deep ruby in color, with purple accents around the rim, blackberry, truffle, tobacco, earth, cassis, smoke, licorice and black cherry scents are found with little effort. Plush, ripe, silky tannins and a fresh, ripe blackberry, black cherry and spicy plum finish are the hallmarks of this wine. 93 – 95 Pts

Produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, which reached 13.10% ABV, the wine will be aged in 95% new oak for 18 months. With the lowest yields in 25 years, production will be close to 25% less than in the previous vintage. Deep ruby in color, with purple accents around the rim, blackberry, truffle, tobacco, earth, cassis, smoke, licorice and black cherry scents are found with little effort. Plush, ripe, silky tannins and a fresh, ripe blackberry, black cherry and spicy plum finish are the hallmarks of this wine. 93 – 95 Pts

10,759 Views   Tasted
2011
89
Easy to drink, soft, medium bodied wine with a lighter, early drinking style and a ripe, black raspberry and cocoa finish. Drink this young.

Easy to drink, soft, medium bodied wine with a lighter, early drinking style and a ripe, black raspberry and cocoa finish. Drink this young.

4,130 Views   Tasted
Blending 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.2% ABV. Using 60% new oak, the wine will spend 12 months in barrel. Oak, truffle, tobacco and earth notes are found in the nose. The wine is soft, round and finishes with boysenberry, cherry and cocoa. 90-91 Pts

Blending 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.2% ABV. Using 60% new oak, the wine will spend 12 months in barrel. Oak, truffle, tobacco and earth notes are found in the nose. The wine is soft, round and finishes with boysenberry, cherry and cocoa. 90-91 Pts

5,324 Views   Tasted
2010
98
Concentrated, deep, long, energetic, complex, full-bodied, long, and intense. The fruits are ripe, sweet and fleshly, long and intense with only a touch of oak waiting to resolve. The wine offers depth of flavor, freshness, and purity. This remains youthful and should age and develop for another 3-4 decades. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. It is hard to believe it has been a full decade since I last tasted this gem. Drink from 2025-2060.

Concentrated, deep, long, energetic, complex, full-bodied, long, and intense. The fruits are ripe, sweet and fleshly, long and intense with only a touch of oak waiting to resolve. The wine offers depth of flavor, freshness, and purity. This remains youthful and should age and develop for another 3-4 decades. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. It is hard to believe it has been a full decade since I last tasted this gem. Drink from 2025-2060.

4,068 Views   Tasted
Inky, purple in color, with licorice Asian spice, wood, espresso, cocoa, coconut, blackberry and spice. Rich, fat, dense and concentrated, the tannins are ripe, polished and round. With richness and density, the wine is fleshy, intense and expansive, ending in a long wave of fresh, ripe, sweet, pure berries. Give this stunning wine time, it’s going to be worth the wait.

Inky, purple in color, with licorice Asian spice, wood, espresso, cocoa, coconut, blackberry and spice. Rich, fat, dense and concentrated, the tannins are ripe, polished and round. With richness and density, the wine is fleshy, intense and expansive, ending in a long wave of fresh, ripe, sweet, pure berries. Give this stunning wine time, it’s going to be worth the wait.

17,227 Views   Tasted
2010 Ducru Beaucaillou Inky deep purple in color, this stunning St. Julien Bordeaux wine is filled with scents of tobacco, vanilla, crème de cassis, blueberry, licorice, chocolate and truffle. Thick, rich and stuffed with pure, ripe, sweet, dark berries, the wine coats your mouth and palate. The long, intense finish ends with black cherry, fennel and blackberries. This truly builds in your mouth. There are no hard edges to be found in this sublime wine that ends with more than sixty seconds of flavor sensations. This is a more complete and interesting wine than when tasted in April. Borie reduced prices for his 2010 release which was priced at 16% less than the 2009 at 150 Euros. While still expensive, that level of discount helped spark sales for the wine.

2010 Ducru Beaucaillou Inky deep purple in color, this stunning St. Julien Bordeaux wine is filled with scents of tobacco, vanilla, crème de cassis, blueberry, licorice, chocolate and truffle. Thick, rich and stuffed with pure, ripe, sweet, dark berries, the wine coats your mouth and palate. The long, intense finish ends with black cherry, fennel and blackberries. This truly builds in your mouth. There are no hard edges to be found in this sublime wine that ends with more than sixty seconds of flavor sensations. This is a more complete and interesting wine than when tasted in April. Borie reduced prices for his 2010 release which was priced at 16% less than the 2009 at 150 Euros. While still expensive, that level of discount helped spark sales for the wine.

18,032 Views   Tasted
Ducru Beaucaillou Produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the wine reached 13.95% ABV. Inky purple in color, cassis, truffle, cedar, spice, oak, mocha and fennel aromas are found with little coaxing. Polished, powerful, long, fresh, pure and clean, the layers of chocolate covered black cherries resonate in the finish. This regal wine remains on your palate for close to 50 seconds. The wine will be aged in 95% new oak for 18 months. 97-98 Pts

Ducru Beaucaillou Produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the wine reached 13.95% ABV. Inky purple in color, cassis, truffle, cedar, spice, oak, mocha and fennel aromas are found with little coaxing. Polished, powerful, long, fresh, pure and clean, the layers of chocolate covered black cherries resonate in the finish. This regal wine remains on your palate for close to 50 seconds. The wine will be aged in 95% new oak for 18 months. 97-98 Pts

15,175 Views   Tasted
2010
91
Another year or two will add a lot to this richly textured wine and its espresso bean, black cherry and forest floor nose. The clean, supple, flavorful finish will get better as well.

Another year or two will add a lot to this richly textured wine and its espresso bean, black cherry and forest floor nose. The clean, supple, flavorful finish will get better as well.

5,663 Views   Tasted
Jammy blackberries, coffee bean, black raspberry scents, fresh lush, plush textures and a sweet, black cherry and fennel finish. Give it a few years to develop additional complexities.

Jammy blackberries, coffee bean, black raspberry scents, fresh lush, plush textures and a sweet, black cherry and fennel finish. Give it a few years to develop additional complexities.

6,601 Views   Tasted
Croix de Beaucaillou offers a nose of licorice, smoke, dark berries and earthy scents. The round, soft textured wine ends with a cassis, cocoa and boysenberry filled finish. 2010 will be the first vintage sporting a new label for this wine in an effort to let consumers know, the estate does not consider it a second wine of Ducru Beaucaillou. According to Bruno Borie, Croix de Beaucaillou should not be viewed as a second wine because the grapes emanate from a different terroir than the Grand Vin. 91-93 Pts

Croix de Beaucaillou offers a nose of licorice, smoke, dark berries and earthy scents. The round, soft textured wine ends with a cassis, cocoa and boysenberry filled finish. 2010 will be the first vintage sporting a new label for this wine in an effort to let consumers know, the estate does not consider it a second wine of Ducru Beaucaillou. According to Bruno Borie, Croix de Beaucaillou should not be viewed as a second wine because the grapes emanate from a different terroir than the Grand Vin. 91-93 Pts

7,370 Views   Tasted
Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. 2010 marks the debut for the new label promoting the estates efforts to market this brand as a unique wine, and not a second label of Ducru Beaucaillou. According to Bruno Borie, the reason for this is; the wine emanates from a different terroir than the Grand Vin. Cassis, plums and anise scents lead to a wine offering juicy ripe plums and hints of coca. Fresh, clean and polished, this is a strong effort for Croix de Beaucaillou. The wine is going to be aged in 60% new oak for about 12 months. 91-93 Pts

Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. 2010 marks the debut for the new label promoting the estates efforts to market this brand as a unique wine, and not a second label of Ducru Beaucaillou. According to Bruno Borie, the reason for this is; the wine emanates from a different terroir than the Grand Vin. Cassis, plums and anise scents lead to a wine offering juicy ripe plums and hints of coca. Fresh, clean and polished, this is a strong effort for Croix de Beaucaillou. The wine is going to be aged in 60% new oak for about 12 months. 91-93 Pts

6,916 Views   Tasted
2009
99
Concentrated, opulent, deep, ripe, sensuous, and mouthcoating, this is a majestic vintage with incredibly, creamy, silky tannins, length, purity, and denseness, with a mouth-filling finish that is close to seamless from start to finish. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2055.

Concentrated, opulent, deep, ripe, sensuous, and mouthcoating, this is a majestic vintage with incredibly, creamy, silky tannins, length, purity, and denseness, with a mouth-filling finish that is close to seamless from start to finish. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2055.

4,501 Views   Tasted
Deep and dark in color, fruits are equally dark. Powerful, full-bodied, rich, opulent, and fresh, the layers of blackberries, plums, espresso, flowers, earth, cigars, and spice seem endless. On the palate, even though the wine is incredibly dense, it is also seamless, elegant, vibrant, pure, and expansive. While approachable now, if you want the full experience, allow it a few more years in the bottle and enjoy it over the next several decades. Drink from 2025-2055.

Deep and dark in color, fruits are equally dark. Powerful, full-bodied, rich, opulent, and fresh, the layers of blackberries, plums, espresso, flowers, earth, cigars, and spice seem endless. On the palate, even though the wine is incredibly dense, it is also seamless, elegant, vibrant, pure, and expansive. While approachable now, if you want the full experience, allow it a few more years in the bottle and enjoy it over the next several decades. Drink from 2025-2055.

5,036 Views   Tasted
Now the truffle, crushed stone, Cuban cigar, flowers and crème de cassis is starting to bloom. With ample weight, density, length and purity, silky tannins and vibrancy, at just 10 years of age, this is really starting take off. Nothing is out of place, everything is in balance and the finish, with all its layers of fruit, spice and freshness lets you know, this is a wine of unique character Age this for another 5, 10-15 years and its only going to get better. This stunner should age and evolve with little effort for at least 30 more years or longer.

Now the truffle, crushed stone, Cuban cigar, flowers and crème de cassis is starting to bloom. With ample weight, density, length and purity, silky tannins and vibrancy, at just 10 years of age, this is really starting take off. Nothing is out of place, everything is in balance and the finish, with all its layers of fruit, spice and freshness lets you know, this is a wine of unique character Age this for another 5, 10-15 years and its only going to get better. This stunner should age and evolve with little effort for at least 30 more years or longer.

6,317 Views   Tasted
Holy Cow! This is mind-blowing juice! The intensity on the palate, the purity in the fruit, the massive, yet balanced concentration, silky, sensuous textures and the more than 60-second finish says it all. If you have a case, and you want to check in on this future legend in its youth, give it 3-4 hours. Else, wait until 2025 and enjoy the magic.

Holy Cow! This is mind-blowing juice! The intensity on the palate, the purity in the fruit, the massive, yet balanced concentration, silky, sensuous textures and the more than 60-second finish says it all. If you have a case, and you want to check in on this future legend in its youth, give it 3-4 hours. Else, wait until 2025 and enjoy the magic.

6,726 Views   Tasted
This is so young, yet its impossible not to see what's going on here. Powerful, rich, concentrated, perfectly ripe fruits. Silky tannins and the texture of velvet, the wine coats your palate and sticks with you long enough to let you know, this is going to be one of the great wines of Ducru Beaucaillou. Another decade of rest and this will be a rock star tasting experience!

This is so young, yet its impossible not to see what's going on here. Powerful, rich, concentrated, perfectly ripe fruits. Silky tannins and the texture of velvet, the wine coats your palate and sticks with you long enough to let you know, this is going to be one of the great wines of Ducru Beaucaillou. Another decade of rest and this will be a rock star tasting experience!

8,190 Views   Tasted
There is so much ink in the color, it looks like a barrel sample. The wine perfectly combines power, elegance, flesh and opulence, with the breeding of a First Growth. This is breathtaking, even at this early stage of development. If you have a case, and you want a glimpse, pop a bottle. Else, give it until the wine is between 15-20 years of age. This is a future legend in the making!

There is so much ink in the color, it looks like a barrel sample. The wine perfectly combines power, elegance, flesh and opulence, with the breeding of a First Growth. This is breathtaking, even at this early stage of development. If you have a case, and you want a glimpse, pop a bottle. Else, give it until the wine is between 15-20 years of age. This is a future legend in the making!

7,559 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, the wine is incredibly rich, concentrated, deep and powerful. Yet, it's refined, elegant, fresh, sweet and pure. Mouthfilling, with a finish that does not quit, this stunner will offer great pleasure for decades. It's far too young now and should be aged for at least another decade, but make no mistake, this is a remarkable wine.

Inky in color, the wine is incredibly rich, concentrated, deep and powerful. Yet, it's refined, elegant, fresh, sweet and pure. Mouthfilling, with a finish that does not quit, this stunner will offer great pleasure for decades. It's far too young now and should be aged for at least another decade, but make no mistake, this is a remarkable wine.

7,341 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, incredibly rich, dense, concentrated and deep, the wine is the perfect combination of power, lush, opulent textures, polished refined textures and a long, polished finish that builds in intensity. I cannot wait to compare this stunning wine with the 2010 in a decade.

Inky in color, incredibly rich, dense, concentrated and deep, the wine is the perfect combination of power, lush, opulent textures, polished refined textures and a long, polished finish that builds in intensity. I cannot wait to compare this stunning wine with the 2010 in a decade.

11,303 Views   Tasted
Powerful aromatics of Boysenberry, licorice, cassis, bitter chocolate, olive tapenade, tobacco and blackberry liqueur. The wine caresses your palate with pure, silk and velvet textures. There is not a hard edge to be found in this delicious vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou. This supple, sexy, powerful, ripe, concentrated wine ends with a long, fresh, pure, intense, boysenberry, chocolate, spice and black cherry finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot and aged in 90% new oak. As good as the 2009 is, the 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou could turn out to be an even better wine! When Bruno Borie described this wine, he said it reminded him of Beyonce, with all its curves and sensuality!

Powerful aromatics of Boysenberry, licorice, cassis, bitter chocolate, olive tapenade, tobacco and blackberry liqueur. The wine caresses your palate with pure, silk and velvet textures. There is not a hard edge to be found in this delicious vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou. This supple, sexy, powerful, ripe, concentrated wine ends with a long, fresh, pure, intense, boysenberry, chocolate, spice and black cherry finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot and aged in 90% new oak. As good as the 2009 is, the 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou could turn out to be an even better wine! When Bruno Borie described this wine, he said it reminded him of Beyonce, with all its curves and sensuality!

11,222 Views   Tasted
2009 Ducru Beaucaillou is midnight black with deep purple accents. Filled with dark berry aromas, cassis, spice, and ground espresso beans, this full bodied, lush, intense wine fills your mouth and coats your palate with dense layers of fat, juicy berries, dark chocolate, licorice, and spice sensations. 95-97 Pts

2009 Ducru Beaucaillou is midnight black with deep purple accents. Filled with dark berry aromas, cassis, spice, and ground espresso beans, this full bodied, lush, intense wine fills your mouth and coats your palate with dense layers of fat, juicy berries, dark chocolate, licorice, and spice sensations. 95-97 Pts

11,216 Views   Tasted
2009
92
The Jade Jagger designed bottle still looks great. And what's inside the bottle is even better! Fully mature, pop and pour is all this needs to get the ripe, sweet and crsip red fruits, cedar, tobacco, herb and forest notes. The wine is medium-bodied, soft and polished with a sweet and tart red fruit finish.

The Jade Jagger designed bottle still looks great. And what's inside the bottle is even better! Fully mature, pop and pour is all this needs to get the ripe, sweet and crsip red fruits, cedar, tobacco, herb and forest notes. The wine is medium-bodied, soft and polished with a sweet and tart red fruit finish.

4,385 Views   Tasted
Dark chocolate, earth, fresh picked boysenberries, black cherry and licorice entice you to do what is needed with the silky, lush, round, rich, forward style of wine. This is so delicious, rich and open, it might never close down.

Dark chocolate, earth, fresh picked boysenberries, black cherry and licorice entice you to do what is needed with the silky, lush, round, rich, forward style of wine. This is so delicious, rich and open, it might never close down.

7,212 Views   Tasted
From the new bottle designed by Jade Jagger, which is very tastefully done, the wine is deep purple in color. The 2009 St. Julien opens with scents of boysenberry, chocolate, earth, tobacco and cherries. Fresh, clean and fleshy, the wine produced from a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and aged in 60% new oak, ends with a supple, ripe, bright, black cherry and cocoa finish. In today's market place, this is a fairly priced wine from Bruno Borie, who is one of the best producers in Bordeaux at the moment.

From the new bottle designed by Jade Jagger, which is very tastefully done, the wine is deep purple in color. The 2009 St. Julien opens with scents of boysenberry, chocolate, earth, tobacco and cherries. Fresh, clean and fleshy, the wine produced from a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and aged in 60% new oak, ends with a supple, ripe, bright, black cherry and cocoa finish. In today's market place, this is a fairly priced wine from Bruno Borie, who is one of the best producers in Bordeaux at the moment.

7,285 Views   Tasted
2008
95
Firm, bright, leafy, and fresh, the wine is concentrated, and the fruits are bright, crisp, and chalky. Overall, there is a lean to the crisp, through sweet, red fruit side of the classic, style range. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2028-2048.

Firm, bright, leafy, and fresh, the wine is concentrated, and the fruits are bright, crisp, and chalky. Overall, there is a lean to the crisp, through sweet, red fruit side of the classic, style range. The wine blends 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2028-2048.

3,274 Views   Tasted
Youthful, medium/full-bodied, and still a bit firm. The wine is concentrated with layers of dark red berries, a touch of espresso. smoke, flowers, spice, cedar, and tobacco in the nose. On the palate, the wine is vibrant, elegant, and softening out, leaving you with dark red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, and freshness. Another year or two should add even more softness and roundness to the wine. Drink from 2024-2050.

Youthful, medium/full-bodied, and still a bit firm. The wine is concentrated with layers of dark red berries, a touch of espresso. smoke, flowers, spice, cedar, and tobacco in the nose. On the palate, the wine is vibrant, elegant, and softening out, leaving you with dark red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, and freshness. Another year or two should add even more softness and roundness to the wine. Drink from 2024-2050.

4,634 Views   Tasted
You do not have to look far to find the secondary notes of truffle, rocks, cedar, spice box, smoke and blackberries. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, youthful, vibrant and fresh. There is a lot of weight and depth, showing some dusty tannins still waiting to be resolved. Give it 4-6 more years and this will be a more interesting wine.

You do not have to look far to find the secondary notes of truffle, rocks, cedar, spice box, smoke and blackberries. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, youthful, vibrant and fresh. There is a lot of weight and depth, showing some dusty tannins still waiting to be resolved. Give it 4-6 more years and this will be a more interesting wine.

5,110 Views   Tasted
It's been several years since I've had this wine, and time has been good here. The wine is starting to fill out, soften and open its earthy, fruit character. Still, this is only beginning to unfurl. Classic in a good, this is still about promise. But as it ages, it slowly edges closer to delivery. another 5-8 years or so are needed here.

It's been several years since I've had this wine, and time has been good here. The wine is starting to fill out, soften and open its earthy, fruit character. Still, this is only beginning to unfurl. Classic in a good, this is still about promise. But as it ages, it slowly edges closer to delivery. another 5-8 years or so are needed here.

7,405 Views   Tasted
2008 Ducru Beaucaillou is loaded with juicy ripe cassis, licorice, chocolate, oak, truffles and fresh herbs. Powerful, dense and concentrated, this plush, complex wine is elegant, balanced long and complex. 95 Pts

2008 Ducru Beaucaillou is loaded with juicy ripe cassis, licorice, chocolate, oak, truffles and fresh herbs. Powerful, dense and concentrated, this plush, complex wine is elegant, balanced long and complex. 95 Pts

13,920 Views   Tasted
08 Château Ducru Beaucaillou is one of the stars of the vintage. Oak, blackberry, and ripe boysenberry notes jump from the glass. Highly concentrated and full bodied, with intensity and purity of fruit in the mouth. Layers of flavor keep building on your palate. Everything is in balance. The tannins are ripe, soft, and round. The almost seamless finish seems to last for close to one minute. 94-96 Pts

08 Château Ducru Beaucaillou is one of the stars of the vintage. Oak, blackberry, and ripe boysenberry notes jump from the glass. Highly concentrated and full bodied, with intensity and purity of fruit in the mouth. Layers of flavor keep building on your palate. Everything is in balance. The tannins are ripe, soft, and round. The almost seamless finish seems to last for close to one minute. 94-96 Pts

14,233 Views   Tasted
2008
90
Tight, needs air and coaxing before the licorice, smoke, plum and herb aromas emerge. Produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, which is a much higher percentage of Cabernet than usual, the wine ends with black cherry and cocoa, along with a minor touch of green in the finish.

Tight, needs air and coaxing before the licorice, smoke, plum and herb aromas emerge. Produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, which is a much higher percentage of Cabernet than usual, the wine ends with black cherry and cocoa, along with a minor touch of green in the finish.

5,309 Views   Tasted
2007
91
Light garnet tea in color, with tobacco leaf, spice, and red fruits, the wine is medium-bodied, and soft, with strawberry currants in the nose and on the palate, finishing with light, red fruits, spearmint, and drying spicy red berries in the finish. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2027.

Light garnet tea in color, with tobacco leaf, spice, and red fruits, the wine is medium-bodied, and soft, with strawberry currants in the nose and on the palate, finishing with light, red fruits, spearmint, and drying spicy red berries in the finish. The wine blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2027.

1,790 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, medium bodied, with silky tannins, freshness and soft, polished textures, the wine is on the spicy, red fruit side of the style range. Quite nice for the vintage, this is not a wine I would hold for more development. If you're sitting on any, I'd pop a cork to enjoy the fruits before they fade.

Fully mature, medium bodied, with silky tannins, freshness and soft, polished textures, the wine is on the spicy, red fruit side of the style range. Quite nice for the vintage, this is not a wine I would hold for more development. If you're sitting on any, I'd pop a cork to enjoy the fruits before they fade.

4,758 Views   Tasted
2006
93
Full-bodied, firm, classic, tannic, moderately austere in character, with a bright, cranberry, and red currant core of fruit that will remain on the firm side. The wine remains youthful and should age for decades while retaining its classic character. Drink from 2023-2045.

Full-bodied, firm, classic, tannic, moderately austere in character, with a bright, cranberry, and red currant core of fruit that will remain on the firm side. The wine remains youthful and should age for decades while retaining its classic character. Drink from 2023-2045.

3,005 Views   Tasted
Youthful, firm, full-bodied, structured vintage here. There is a wealth of sweet, ripe fruit. But much of those berries lay hidden behind a wall of tannin that lets you know, air and time are needed here before this is fun to taste, as it is still in its austere stage. Drink from 2026-2050.

Youthful, firm, full-bodied, structured vintage here. There is a wealth of sweet, ripe fruit. But much of those berries lay hidden behind a wall of tannin that lets you know, air and time are needed here before this is fun to taste, as it is still in its austere stage. Drink from 2026-2050.

3,889 Views   Tasted
Still young, this is a strict style of Ducru Beaucaillou that is going to take perhaps another decade before the tannins subside. The fruit is ripe, there is concentration, length and intensity, but the tannins are quite firm. This can be seen as a modern version of an old, classic vintage.

Still young, this is a strict style of Ducru Beaucaillou that is going to take perhaps another decade before the tannins subside. The fruit is ripe, there is concentration, length and intensity, but the tannins are quite firm. This can be seen as a modern version of an old, classic vintage.

5,264 Views   Tasted
Showing little signs of maturity in the color, the wine has stated to soften and fill out. On the structured side of the style range, there is freshness, energy and length, but there are firm tannins that remain needing to be resolved. This could take a decade or more to get where it needs to be.

Showing little signs of maturity in the color, the wine has stated to soften and fill out. On the structured side of the style range, there is freshness, energy and length, but there are firm tannins that remain needing to be resolved. This could take a decade or more to get where it needs to be.

6,070 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, with notes of coffee bean, incense, smoke, licorice, earth and ripe blackberries, the wine is concentrated, masculine and refined. With flavor and power matched with tannins and intensity, give it 5 to 10 years to develop, soften and come together.

Dark in color, with notes of coffee bean, incense, smoke, licorice, earth and ripe blackberries, the wine is concentrated, masculine and refined. With flavor and power matched with tannins and intensity, give it 5 to 10 years to develop, soften and come together.

7,948 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, with some purple accents remaining, the wine pops with licorice, truffle, blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, spice, tobacco and smoky aromatics. On the palate, this powerful, tannic, firm and masculine styled Ducru Beaucaillou is not close to being fun to drink, Give it another decade.

Deep in color, with some purple accents remaining, the wine pops with licorice, truffle, blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, spice, tobacco and smoky aromatics. On the palate, this powerful, tannic, firm and masculine styled Ducru Beaucaillou is not close to being fun to drink, Give it another decade.

10,084 Views   Tasted
2005
96
Dense, dark, deep, intense, long, and full-bodied, the wine is continuing to develop, flesh out, soften, and add complexities. Now, you find earthy, forest floor, tobacco leaf, cedar, lead pencil currants, and truffle. The wine finishes with a big blast of spicy, sweet, fleshy black currants. Give it only another year or three, and it should really start to deliver the goods. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 33% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2060.

Dense, dark, deep, intense, long, and full-bodied, the wine is continuing to develop, flesh out, soften, and add complexities. Now, you find earthy, forest floor, tobacco leaf, cedar, lead pencil currants, and truffle. The wine finishes with a big blast of spicy, sweet, fleshy black currants. Give it only another year or three, and it should really start to deliver the goods. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 33% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2060.

4,424 Views   Tasted
Dense, dark, deep, intense, long, and full-bodied, the wine is continuing to develop, flesh out, soften, and add complexities. Now, you find earthy, forest floor, tobacco leaf, cedar, lead pencil currants, and truffle. The wine finishes with a big blast of spicy, sweet, fleshy black currants and a tannic backbone for aging. Give it only another few years in the bottle, and it should really start to deliver the goods. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 33% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2060.

Dense, dark, deep, intense, long, and full-bodied, the wine is continuing to develop, flesh out, soften, and add complexities. Now, you find earthy, forest floor, tobacco leaf, cedar, lead pencil currants, and truffle. The wine finishes with a big blast of spicy, sweet, fleshy black currants and a tannic backbone for aging. Give it only another few years in the bottle, and it should really start to deliver the goods. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 33% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2060.

4,992 Views   Tasted
Full-bodied, concentrated, rich, dense and intense, the wine is smoky with plenty of tobacco-infused cassis, cedar, forest floor, cigar box and assorted, savory red fruits on the nose and palate. Give it another 5 years in the cellar and enjoy it for 20-30 years after that.

Full-bodied, concentrated, rich, dense and intense, the wine is smoky with plenty of tobacco-infused cassis, cedar, forest floor, cigar box and assorted, savory red fruits on the nose and palate. Give it another 5 years in the cellar and enjoy it for 20-30 years after that.

5,302 Views   Tasted
The best thing about being able to check in one wines as they mature, is to understand how they are coming along. Still young, fresh and while not tight, holding some of its best cards to the vest, this is coming on strong. Power and refinement, freshness and sweet fruits are at play here, with a wallop of ripe, polished tannins. 3 hours of air are on order, should wish to pop a cork today, else give it another decade.

The best thing about being able to check in one wines as they mature, is to understand how they are coming along. Still young, fresh and while not tight, holding some of its best cards to the vest, this is coming on strong. Power and refinement, freshness and sweet fruits are at play here, with a wallop of ripe, polished tannins. 3 hours of air are on order, should wish to pop a cork today, else give it another decade.

6,112 Views   Tasted
Full bodied, polished, deep and fresh, the wine popped with cigar box, cedar, dark red fruits and tobacco notes in the perfume. Youthful, fresh and vibrant, more development is needed for this to really show its best. Still, with about 60 minutes of air, the wine was already quite nice to drink.

Full bodied, polished, deep and fresh, the wine popped with cigar box, cedar, dark red fruits and tobacco notes in the perfume. Youthful, fresh and vibrant, more development is needed for this to really show its best. Still, with about 60 minutes of air, the wine was already quite nice to drink.

7,867 Views   Tasted
Full bodied, rich, polished, deep and still holding most of its best stuff for the future, the wine is packed with juicy, sweet, fresh, cassis, tobacco, earth and cigar box notes. Still on the young side, patience is a virtue here. Give it another 7 years or so.

Full bodied, rich, polished, deep and still holding most of its best stuff for the future, the wine is packed with juicy, sweet, fresh, cassis, tobacco, earth and cigar box notes. Still on the young side, patience is a virtue here. Give it another 7 years or so.

9,238 Views   Tasted
This is continuing to develop well. The wine is filling out, softening and starting to put out secondary aromatics. Full bodied, polished, rich, fleshy and with a blast of sweet, ripe, juicy Cabernet in every sniff and sip, a few more years will add a lot to this beauty. Else, give it a few hours of air.

This is continuing to develop well. The wine is filling out, softening and starting to put out secondary aromatics. Full bodied, polished, rich, fleshy and with a blast of sweet, ripe, juicy Cabernet in every sniff and sip, a few more years will add a lot to this beauty. Else, give it a few hours of air.

7,759 Views   Tasted
Showing development in the color, the forest floor, camp fire, cigar box, earth, roasted dark red fruit and cassis is something you can spend time with. Sweet, soft, packed with fruit and ripe, silky tannins, drink this now if you prefer young, tannic wines as they are just starting to develop secondary notes. Or age it for years for more complexity and softness.

Showing development in the color, the forest floor, camp fire, cigar box, earth, roasted dark red fruit and cassis is something you can spend time with. Sweet, soft, packed with fruit and ripe, silky tannins, drink this now if you prefer young, tannic wines as they are just starting to develop secondary notes. Or age it for years for more complexity and softness.

8,550 Views   Tasted
What a beauty! The first star under the direction of Bruno Borie blasts off with layer after layer of sweet, ripe, lush, black and dark fruits, polished tannins, earth, truffle, tobacco and a few remaining whiffs of oak. Full bodied, rich and long, this is good now and better later!

What a beauty! The first star under the direction of Bruno Borie blasts off with layer after layer of sweet, ripe, lush, black and dark fruits, polished tannins, earth, truffle, tobacco and a few remaining whiffs of oak. Full bodied, rich and long, this is good now and better later!

10,295 Views   Tasted
Young, intense, fresh and vibrant, with multiple layers of perfectly, juicy, fresh, dark red fruits and an earthy, tobacco driven complexity that shines though. Another decade in the cellar will probably be needed here, for this to truly shine.

Young, intense, fresh and vibrant, with multiple layers of perfectly, juicy, fresh, dark red fruits and an earthy, tobacco driven complexity that shines though. Another decade in the cellar will probably be needed here, for this to truly shine.

3,657 Views   Tasted
Still so young, but the fruit has so much polish, finesse and grace, coupled with the silky, refined tannins, you can drink this now. That being said, I am not opening my bottles, but if one is being poured, I am all over it. The rich layers of fruit gushes from the glass. Patient consumers will be rewarded with bottle age, but if you cannot stop yourself from popping a cork, this is a winner.

Still so young, but the fruit has so much polish, finesse and grace, coupled with the silky, refined tannins, you can drink this now. That being said, I am not opening my bottles, but if one is being poured, I am all over it. The rich layers of fruit gushes from the glass. Patient consumers will be rewarded with bottle age, but if you cannot stop yourself from popping a cork, this is a winner.

12,729 Views   Tasted
Espresso bean, earth, blackberry, cassis, truffle, tobacco and earth aromatics express themselves with ease. This concentrated, tannic, rich, vibrant, fresh, fruit filled wine is pure, lush, Cabernet Sauvignon with a long, mouth filling finish.

Espresso bean, earth, blackberry, cassis, truffle, tobacco and earth aromatics express themselves with ease. This concentrated, tannic, rich, vibrant, fresh, fruit filled wine is pure, lush, Cabernet Sauvignon with a long, mouth filling finish.

11,839 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, the perfume is packed with coffee, licorice, chocolate mint chip ice cream, blackberry liqueur, truffle, smoke and cassis. Full bodied, rich, tannic, fresh, pure and concentrated, the wine requires time to soften and develop, before it hits its stride. Give it another 5-10 years.

Inky in color, the perfume is packed with coffee, licorice, chocolate mint chip ice cream, blackberry liqueur, truffle, smoke and cassis. Full bodied, rich, tannic, fresh, pure and concentrated, the wine requires time to soften and develop, before it hits its stride. Give it another 5-10 years.

10,755 Views   Tasted
The wine was closed and not expressive at this stage of its development. With air and intense swirling, complex scents of tobacco, gravel, cassis, blackberry, forest floor, bitter chocolate, floral, spice and black pepper could be found. The wine is tannic, concentrated and full bodied. It demands another decade or more before it begins to display all its charms. This sublime St. Julien wine ends with a long, fresh, boysenberry, cassis, spice and olive tapenade finish.

The wine was closed and not expressive at this stage of its development. With air and intense swirling, complex scents of tobacco, gravel, cassis, blackberry, forest floor, bitter chocolate, floral, spice and black pepper could be found. The wine is tannic, concentrated and full bodied. It demands another decade or more before it begins to display all its charms. This sublime St. Julien wine ends with a long, fresh, boysenberry, cassis, spice and olive tapenade finish.

12,183 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, the wine required serious coaxing before revealing its layers of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, licorice, blueberry, oak, tobacco and truffle filled perfume. Full bodied, rich, powerful and concentrated with intense levels of ripe, dark fruits, the wine ends with a fresh blackberry liqueur and creme de cassis filled finish. Give thisyoung, tannic wine another decade before opening to experience the potential of this sublime St. Julien, Bordeaux wine.

Deep in color, the wine required serious coaxing before revealing its layers of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, licorice, blueberry, oak, tobacco and truffle filled perfume. Full bodied, rich, powerful and concentrated with intense levels of ripe, dark fruits, the wine ends with a fresh blackberry liqueur and creme de cassis filled finish. Give thisyoung, tannic wine another decade before opening to experience the potential of this sublime St. Julien, Bordeaux wine.

12,594 Views   Tasted
2005
91
Drinking in the sweet spot, with an earthy, truffle character, there is sweet, soft, medium bodied, plum and dark cherry note in the soft, finish. Fully mature, there is no reason to age it any longer, but there is no real hurry to drink it either.

Drinking in the sweet spot, with an earthy, truffle character, there is sweet, soft, medium bodied, plum and dark cherry note in the soft, finish. Fully mature, there is no reason to age it any longer, but there is no real hurry to drink it either.

5,434 Views   Tasted
Tobacco leaf, cherry, cedar and espresso scents, soft, round textures and a fresh, cassis and blackberry finish with a forward leaning personality. You can drink this today, or let it age for several more years.

Tobacco leaf, cherry, cedar and espresso scents, soft, round textures and a fresh, cassis and blackberry finish with a forward leaning personality. You can drink this today, or let it age for several more years.

6,636 Views   Tasted
Plums, chocolate, black cherry and hints of blueberry with spice make up the perfume. With plush, chewy textures, the wine ends with an intriguing, sweet, blackberry, cocoa and plum finish. This St. Julien is drink great today and should improve for at least another decade.

Plums, chocolate, black cherry and hints of blueberry with spice make up the perfume. With plush, chewy textures, the wine ends with an intriguing, sweet, blackberry, cocoa and plum finish. This St. Julien is drink great today and should improve for at least another decade.

7,945 Views   Tasted
2004
92
Flowers, tea, strawberry, spice, peppery herbs, and cranberry shine through here with a cool touch of mint in the nose and on the palate. The finish is chalky, fresh, and spicy, with more of that minty freshness in the finish. Drink from 2023-2032.

Flowers, tea, strawberry, spice, peppery herbs, and cranberry shine through here with a cool touch of mint in the nose and on the palate. The finish is chalky, fresh, and spicy, with more of that minty freshness in the finish. Drink from 2023-2032.

2,960 Views   Tasted
Ready to drink, stylish, soft, sweet and inviting, the wine is equally attractive in its earthy, berry and tobacco scented nose as it is in the fresh, spicy, fruit filled finish.

Ready to drink, stylish, soft, sweet and inviting, the wine is equally attractive in its earthy, berry and tobacco scented nose as it is in the fresh, spicy, fruit filled finish.

6,656 Views   Tasted
Developed in its perfume, with tobacco, truffle, wet forest floor, cassis and cedar chest notes, the tannins are soft, with only a hint of dryness in the charming finish. Drink now, or age it for another 2-5 years.

Developed in its perfume, with tobacco, truffle, wet forest floor, cassis and cedar chest notes, the tannins are soft, with only a hint of dryness in the charming finish. Drink now, or age it for another 2-5 years.

4,488 Views   Tasted
Soft, approachable and showing a spicy, cassis filled nose. The mouth enjoys the blackberry touches in the finish. This will get better, but, 04 is not a long term ager.

Soft, approachable and showing a spicy, cassis filled nose. The mouth enjoys the blackberry touches in the finish. This will get better, but, 04 is not a long term ager.

7,605 Views   Tasted
2003
93
Fading, but not without its charms and the signature of the famously, torrid vintage, the wine is soft and supple in character. The nose and palate share tobacco, spice, and roasted red fruit characteristics. The finish, while fruity, is chalky with a hint of drying tannins on the back end. The wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2033.

Fading, but not without its charms and the signature of the famously, torrid vintage, the wine is soft and supple in character. The nose and palate share tobacco, spice, and roasted red fruit characteristics. The finish, while fruity, is chalky with a hint of drying tannins on the back end. The wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot. Drink from 2023-2033.

3,363 Views   Tasted
On a rapid evolutionary track, you already find secondary notes of wet forest floor, tobacco leaf, red spicy berries and smoke. The wine is round soft and polished, with a tobacco, spicy, red berry and mocha tinted finish. I would drink this over the next decade or so.

On a rapid evolutionary track, you already find secondary notes of wet forest floor, tobacco leaf, red spicy berries and smoke. The wine is round soft and polished, with a tobacco, spicy, red berry and mocha tinted finish. I would drink this over the next decade or so.

4,480 Views   Tasted
I like this wine. It has style, character and charm. But it's already advanced for its age, showing a lot of secondary, smoke, tobacco, cedar, cigar, earth and fig notes. The wine tastes mature, but the finish is quite charming, with its sweet, ripe, roasted fruits.

I like this wine. It has style, character and charm. But it's already advanced for its age, showing a lot of secondary, smoke, tobacco, cedar, cigar, earth and fig notes. The wine tastes mature, but the finish is quite charming, with its sweet, ripe, roasted fruits.

4,097 Views   Tasted
I loved the nose, with its tobacco, cassis and wet forest aromatics. But on the palate, after experiencing the concentration of fruit and raw material, there was a sensation of dryness on the finish that lets me think this might be at, or even slightly past full maturity. If you have some, my instincts say you might want to be drinking your bottles over the next several years.

I loved the nose, with its tobacco, cassis and wet forest aromatics. But on the palate, after experiencing the concentration of fruit and raw material, there was a sensation of dryness on the finish that lets me think this might be at, or even slightly past full maturity. If you have some, my instincts say you might want to be drinking your bottles over the next several years.

4,967 Views   Tasted
Ready to go, with its soft, round, polished, exotic, ripe, black and red cherry filled personality.

Ready to go, with its soft, round, polished, exotic, ripe, black and red cherry filled personality.

5,093 Views   Tasted
Tobacco, cigar box, caramel, dark cherry and blackberry notes glide into the already open, soft, silky, red and dark berry finish. This is drinking quite nice now. While there is no hurry to drink it, this is also not a wine I would lay down for another decade or two.

Tobacco, cigar box, caramel, dark cherry and blackberry notes glide into the already open, soft, silky, red and dark berry finish. This is drinking quite nice now. While there is no hurry to drink it, this is also not a wine I would lay down for another decade or two.

7,733 Views   Tasted
Smoke, black raspberry, cherries, forest, wet earth aromas open to a soft, medium/full bodied wine with lush textures and roasted red berries. With time, the wine morphed to olive tapenade, fat and density, losing some of its richness with time. The wine is better with only a short decant.

Smoke, black raspberry, cherries, forest, wet earth aromas open to a soft, medium/full bodied wine with lush textures and roasted red berries. With time, the wine morphed to olive tapenade, fat and density, losing some of its richness with time. The wine is better with only a short decant.

7,147 Views   Tasted
With an array of spice and mineral scents, complicated by truffle, cassis, blackberry, tobacco and cigar box, this opulent, rich, sensuous, polished wine is delivering a lot pleasure today, and the best is yet to come.

With an array of spice and mineral scents, complicated by truffle, cassis, blackberry, tobacco and cigar box, this opulent, rich, sensuous, polished wine is delivering a lot pleasure today, and the best is yet to come.

10,370 Views   Tasted
The debut vintage for Bruno Borie let him put his mark on the next generation of wines at Ducru Beaucaillou from minute one. Polished, plush, sexy and rich, there is a lot going on in the truffle, smoke, black and blue fruit, coffee and dark chocolate scented aromatics. Open, opulent and ostentatious, this is giving a lot of pleasure today, and it should improve with more time.

The debut vintage for Bruno Borie let him put his mark on the next generation of wines at Ducru Beaucaillou from minute one. Polished, plush, sexy and rich, there is a lot going on in the truffle, smoke, black and blue fruit, coffee and dark chocolate scented aromatics. Open, opulent and ostentatious, this is giving a lot of pleasure today, and it should improve with more time.

10,888 Views   Tasted
Smoke, earth, coffee bean, blackberry liqueur, cassis, pepper, mocha and an intriguing note of flowers make up the exotic perfume. Sensuous, opulent, fleshy and flashy, this is a serious St. Julien wine. 2003 Ducru Beaucaillou, made from a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot marks the first vintage where Bruno Borie began calling the shots. The wine ends with a long, sweet, concentrated, ripe finish filled with deep layers of blackberry, plum and chocolate. This is not mature, but it's offering a lot of pleasure today.

Smoke, earth, coffee bean, blackberry liqueur, cassis, pepper, mocha and an intriguing note of flowers make up the exotic perfume. Sensuous, opulent, fleshy and flashy, this is a serious St. Julien wine. 2003 Ducru Beaucaillou, made from a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot marks the first vintage where Bruno Borie began calling the shots. The wine ends with a long, sweet, concentrated, ripe finish filled with deep layers of blackberry, plum and chocolate. This is not mature, but it's offering a lot of pleasure today.

12,709 Views   Tasted
Lush, opulent and ripe with complicated notes of red fruit adding to the fresh blackberries easily found in the wine. There is a lot to like in this splendid St. Julien! Bruno Borie calls the wine classic Bordeaux adding, "In 2003, they only utilized 50 percent of the crop". You can taste the concentration and purity in this flashy St. Julien.

Lush, opulent and ripe with complicated notes of red fruit adding to the fresh blackberries easily found in the wine. There is a lot to like in this splendid St. Julien! Bruno Borie calls the wine classic Bordeaux adding, "In 2003, they only utilized 50 percent of the crop". You can taste the concentration and purity in this flashy St. Julien.

9,805 Views   Tasted
2002
90
With bricking around the edges, the classically styled wine is medium-bodied, showing notes of cedar, leaf, tobacco, cedar, and bright red fruits in the nose. Austere in nature, with strictness to the tannins and bright, almost tart, earthy, herbal, red fruits on the palate, you can drink this now, or hold it, but it is not going to change much from here.

With bricking around the edges, the classically styled wine is medium-bodied, showing notes of cedar, leaf, tobacco, cedar, and bright red fruits in the nose. Austere in nature, with strictness to the tannins and bright, almost tart, earthy, herbal, red fruits on the palate, you can drink this now, or hold it, but it is not going to change much from here.

3,035 Views   Tasted
Medium/full bodied, tannic, with rusticity sensed in the tannins, as they are not fully ripe. While there is cassis, blackberry, some tobacco and earth, a touch of underripeness is tasted and felt in the finish. Tasters who do not like ripe wines, or who prefer more traditional styled Bordeaux, will like this better than I did. This is the last vintage before Bruno Borie took over the estate. This blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot is probably fully mature. There is not much reason to let it age further.

Medium/full bodied, tannic, with rusticity sensed in the tannins, as they are not fully ripe. While there is cassis, blackberry, some tobacco and earth, a touch of underripeness is tasted and felt in the finish. Tasters who do not like ripe wines, or who prefer more traditional styled Bordeaux, will like this better than I did. This is the last vintage before Bruno Borie took over the estate. This blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot is probably fully mature. There is not much reason to let it age further.

5,320 Views   Tasted
2001
92
Coffee, truffle, wet earth, black cherry and spice aromas lead to a soft, round, open, medium bodied, polished style of Ducru Beaucaillou. This is ready for prime time drinking today.

Coffee, truffle, wet earth, black cherry and spice aromas lead to a soft, round, open, medium bodied, polished style of Ducru Beaucaillou. This is ready for prime time drinking today.

6,576 Views   Tasted
2000
96
Continuing to age in a positive direction the wine has added secondary nuances of leafy tobacco, cigar box, cedar, spice, and dried flowers to its core of blackberries and currants. Full-bodied, with a nice depth of flavor, and a structured, tannic backbone, giving it the ability to age for at least 2-3 more decades. Drink from 2023-2050.

Continuing to age in a positive direction the wine has added secondary nuances of leafy tobacco, cigar box, cedar, spice, and dried flowers to its core of blackberries and currants. Full-bodied, with a nice depth of flavor, and a structured, tannic backbone, giving it the ability to age for at least 2-3 more decades. Drink from 2023-2050.

4,273 Views   Tasted
Still holding on to its youth, though the tannic grip has eased over the past few years, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and packed with loads of tobacco leaf, cigar box, forest leaf, spices, and fresh, sweet, red currants. There is lift and length in the finish.

Still holding on to its youth, though the tannic grip has eased over the past few years, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and packed with loads of tobacco leaf, cigar box, forest leaf, spices, and fresh, sweet, red currants. There is lift and length in the finish.

6,268 Views   Tasted
Classic and classy, 2 hours of air added more softness and brought this around quite nicely. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and tannic. There is a strong sensation of cedar, tobacco leaf, herbs, spice and bright, fresh red berries from start to finish. You can easily give this another decade in the cellar for more secondary nuances and enjoy it over the following 2 decades after that.

Classic and classy, 2 hours of air added more softness and brought this around quite nicely. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and tannic. There is a strong sensation of cedar, tobacco leaf, herbs, spice and bright, fresh red berries from start to finish. You can easily give this another decade in the cellar for more secondary nuances and enjoy it over the following 2 decades after that.

5,835 Views   Tasted
The perfume delivers tobacco, smoke, forest floor, truffle and red fruit notes. The palate, working in tandem, delivers pretty, fruits that are softly textured, sweet and fresh. There is a polish to the finish. This is drinking well now, and why not, it's looking forward to its 18th birthday soon.

The perfume delivers tobacco, smoke, forest floor, truffle and red fruit notes. The palate, working in tandem, delivers pretty, fruits that are softly textured, sweet and fresh. There is a polish to the finish. This is drinking well now, and why not, it's looking forward to its 18th birthday soon.

8,296 Views   Tasted
Developing nicely, the wine serves up soft, silky, dark red, ripe fruits, wet earth, cigar box and cedar characteristics. If you have a bottle, it's a good time to pop a cork and check it out.

Developing nicely, the wine serves up soft, silky, dark red, ripe fruits, wet earth, cigar box and cedar characteristics. If you have a bottle, it's a good time to pop a cork and check it out.

7,624 Views   Tasted
With close to 14 years of age, the tannins have softened and the secondary tobacco, truffle, black cherry, stone and cigar box scents are all over the place. Polished and concentrated, this is only going to get better and better.

With close to 14 years of age, the tannins have softened and the secondary tobacco, truffle, black cherry, stone and cigar box scents are all over the place. Polished and concentrated, this is only going to get better and better.

9,451 Views   Tasted
Pungent aromas of truffle, flowers, mocha, cassis, blackberry, earth and cigar box come to the front without much effort. This full bodied, ripe, supple, refined St. Julien is elegant, classy and refined. With ripe tannins, the wine finishes with layers of sweet, juicy, spicy black cherries, cassis and blackberry. It's starting to come around and will be much better with a few more years of bottle age. It should have a long life.

Pungent aromas of truffle, flowers, mocha, cassis, blackberry, earth and cigar box come to the front without much effort. This full bodied, ripe, supple, refined St. Julien is elegant, classy and refined. With ripe tannins, the wine finishes with layers of sweet, juicy, spicy black cherries, cassis and blackberry. It's starting to come around and will be much better with a few more years of bottle age. It should have a long life.

13,848 Views   Tasted
With scents of blackberry, earth, spice, truffle, cassis, smoke, blueberry and cigar box, this big, beautiful wine seeks and gets your focus. Your palate enjoys waves of pure, sweet, ripe, black cherry and spicy cassis. With round textures and a long, generous finish, this will continue improving for at least another 2-3 decades!

With scents of blackberry, earth, spice, truffle, cassis, smoke, blueberry and cigar box, this big, beautiful wine seeks and gets your focus. Your palate enjoys waves of pure, sweet, ripe, black cherry and spicy cassis. With round textures and a long, generous finish, this will continue improving for at least another 2-3 decades!

14,840 Views   Tasted
Orange, floral, spice, black fruit and licorice scents. Big, intense and concentrated, this deep Bordeaux offers a lot of finesse and texture in its long, intense, ripe fruit filled finish.

Orange, floral, spice, black fruit and licorice scents. Big, intense and concentrated, this deep Bordeaux offers a lot of finesse and texture in its long, intense, ripe fruit filled finish.

11,500 Views   Tasted
1999
90
Medium bodied, this lighter, finesse style of Ducru Beaucaillou is dominated by spicy, red berries, freshness, tobacco, herbs and earth. Already close to fully mature, drink this over the next decade, as it's not a wine that was produced to make old bones.

Medium bodied, this lighter, finesse style of Ducru Beaucaillou is dominated by spicy, red berries, freshness, tobacco, herbs and earth. Already close to fully mature, drink this over the next decade, as it's not a wine that was produced to make old bones.

4,476 Views   Tasted
1998
93
One of the top wines from the Medoc, in this Right Bank vintage offers a lot of character and style. The wine is elegant, soft and shows a lot of polish to the sweet, cassis and plums, that are only made better by the notes of tobacco, cedar and wet earth. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This is quite good now and should get even better with time.

One of the top wines from the Medoc, in this Right Bank vintage offers a lot of character and style. The wine is elegant, soft and shows a lot of polish to the sweet, cassis and plums, that are only made better by the notes of tobacco, cedar and wet earth. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This is quite good now and should get even better with time.

4,100 Views   Tasted
1996
95
Fully into its prime-time drinking window, the nose, with its tobacco, cedar chest, cigar box, herb, forest leaf, and currant-filled perfume is a treat. Full-bodied, with ample concentration, length, freshness, and a wealth of chewy currants on the palate, this is a treat to drink at this stage. Not much decanting is needed, just pop, pour and enjoy the ride. Drink from 2022-2036.

Fully into its prime-time drinking window, the nose, with its tobacco, cedar chest, cigar box, herb, forest leaf, and currant-filled perfume is a treat. Full-bodied, with ample concentration, length, freshness, and a wealth of chewy currants on the palate, this is a treat to drink at this stage. Not much decanting is needed, just pop, pour and enjoy the ride. Drink from 2022-2036.

3,970 Views   Tasted
At 22 years of age, this is close to hitting the sweet spot. Now you find a softening of the tannins and more secondary development with increased nuances of cigar box, wet earth, rocks, stones, forest floor and cassis. The wine has retained its freshness, concentration and the finish tastes and feels great with its bright red fruits and earthy complexities. Drink this now, or age it for a decade, either way this is a solid example of classic Ducru Beaucaillou.

At 22 years of age, this is close to hitting the sweet spot. Now you find a softening of the tannins and more secondary development with increased nuances of cigar box, wet earth, rocks, stones, forest floor and cassis. The wine has retained its freshness, concentration and the finish tastes and feels great with its bright red fruits and earthy complexities. Drink this now, or age it for a decade, either way this is a solid example of classic Ducru Beaucaillou.

6,029 Views   Tasted
With 2 hours of decanting, this was rocking in the house. The sweet cassis, spice, cigar box, earth, tobacco and cherry notes were focused. The tannins are soft and refined and the finish offers a lot of freshness coupled with earthy, tobacco, spicy complexities. Drink this now, or age it for another 5 years, but I think it's quite tasty today.

With 2 hours of decanting, this was rocking in the house. The sweet cassis, spice, cigar box, earth, tobacco and cherry notes were focused. The tannins are soft and refined and the finish offers a lot of freshness coupled with earthy, tobacco, spicy complexities. Drink this now, or age it for another 5 years, but I think it's quite tasty today.

6,274 Views   Tasted
This just keeps getting better and better with age. The nose was like a great Cuban cigar dipped in cassis that we were smoking in a wet forest. The tannins have softened, there is freshness to the fruit and the finish feels as good as it tastes. If you've been waiting to pop a cork, stop waiting and open the wine already. This is probably at, or close to peak.

This just keeps getting better and better with age. The nose was like a great Cuban cigar dipped in cassis that we were smoking in a wet forest. The tannins have softened, there is freshness to the fruit and the finish feels as good as it tastes. If you've been waiting to pop a cork, stop waiting and open the wine already. This is probably at, or close to peak.

6,611 Views   Tasted
It’s a text-book example of a mature St. Julien wine that is just entering its plateau of prime time maturity. Think of cigar box, cassis, smoke, tobacco, ripe, sweet, dark red fruits, hints of coffee bean and wet earth, with soft, round textures and a spicy, dark, red fruit finish.

It’s a text-book example of a mature St. Julien wine that is just entering its plateau of prime time maturity. Think of cigar box, cassis, smoke, tobacco, ripe, sweet, dark red fruits, hints of coffee bean and wet earth, with soft, round textures and a spicy, dark, red fruit finish.

6,566 Views   Tasted
Tasting this beauty is like smoking a great Cuban cigar while drinking a glass of cassis. Close to fully mature, this character filled charmer is packed with smoky, tobacco, dark red fruits earth and truffle notes. It's definitely entered into its prime time drinking window.

Tasting this beauty is like smoking a great Cuban cigar while drinking a glass of cassis. Close to fully mature, this character filled charmer is packed with smoky, tobacco, dark red fruits earth and truffle notes. It's definitely entered into its prime time drinking window.

6,855 Views   Tasted
This keeps heading in the right direction with bottle age. The tannins has softened and the wine is showing a plummy, tobacco, chocoalte and truffle character, with soft, polished tannins. Drink now, or it age a few more years.

This keeps heading in the right direction with bottle age. The tannins has softened and the wine is showing a plummy, tobacco, chocoalte and truffle character, with soft, polished tannins. Drink now, or it age a few more years.

8,285 Views   Tasted
Starting to open and develop secondary characteristics of tobacco, cigar box, spice, earth and forest floor, to accompany the cassis, blackberry and cedar notes, the wine is a bridge between the previous generation of wines made at Ducru Beaucaillou and the current wines being produced at the estate. This is the right time to start drinking the wine. It should age and improve for at least another 15-20 or more years.

Starting to open and develop secondary characteristics of tobacco, cigar box, spice, earth and forest floor, to accompany the cassis, blackberry and cedar notes, the wine is a bridge between the previous generation of wines made at Ducru Beaucaillou and the current wines being produced at the estate. This is the right time to start drinking the wine. It should age and improve for at least another 15-20 or more years.

12,576 Views   Tasted
Forest floor, cedar wood, menthol, blackberry, crème de cassis, leather and 5 spice aromas pop within moments of being poured. Full bodied and packed with ripe, dark berries, the wine ends with a long, fresh, ripe, cassis filled finish. Still young, this Ducru Beaucaillou will age well.

Forest floor, cedar wood, menthol, blackberry, crème de cassis, leather and 5 spice aromas pop within moments of being poured. Full bodied and packed with ripe, dark berries, the wine ends with a long, fresh, ripe, cassis filled finish. Still young, this Ducru Beaucaillou will age well.

14,021 Views   Tasted
1995
91
One of the better wines from what has become a difficult vintage, due to the strong, harsh nature of the tannins, here you find a wine that is classic in nature. Firm, slightly rustic and with a touch of green in the nose and palate, this is what old-school, classic Bordeaux is all about. The wine is full-bodied and loaded with fruit, but rustic nature of the tannins intrude on what otherwise would have been a nice party.

One of the better wines from what has become a difficult vintage, due to the strong, harsh nature of the tannins, here you find a wine that is classic in nature. Firm, slightly rustic and with a touch of green in the nose and palate, this is what old-school, classic Bordeaux is all about. The wine is full-bodied and loaded with fruit, but rustic nature of the tannins intrude on what otherwise would have been a nice party.

5,457 Views   Tasted
Firm, strict style of wine, the tannic spice is still there. Medium bodied and austere in nature, the aromatics are the best part of wine, but the hardness in the personality took away from its charming nature. If this old school styled, tannic wine is your thing, you'll probably like it more than I did.

Firm, strict style of wine, the tannic spice is still there. Medium bodied and austere in nature, the aromatics are the best part of wine, but the hardness in the personality took away from its charming nature. If this old school styled, tannic wine is your thing, you'll probably like it more than I did.

5,453 Views   Tasted
Crisp, crunchy and tannic, with a masculine edge to the texture and tannins, this classic style offers a lot of freshness in the bright fruits, but is not ever going to fully soften. Lovers of more classic styles will like this more than I did.

Crisp, crunchy and tannic, with a masculine edge to the texture and tannins, this classic style offers a lot of freshness in the bright fruits, but is not ever going to fully soften. Lovers of more classic styles will like this more than I did.

7,203 Views   Tasted
Classic in style, with its firm tannic structure, cassis, smoke, tobacco and wet earth character, the wine is firm, fresh and masculine in the finish.

Classic in style, with its firm tannic structure, cassis, smoke, tobacco and wet earth character, the wine is firm, fresh and masculine in the finish.

7,482 Views   Tasted
Black cherry, tobacco, pepper, slate, earth and creme de cassis aromas paired with the full bodied, beefy, masculine, style of tannic wine produced in 1995. While the wine is coming around, it will always have a tannic side to its character. There was a touch of green and some dryness in the chewy, sharp, cassis filled finish.

Black cherry, tobacco, pepper, slate, earth and creme de cassis aromas paired with the full bodied, beefy, masculine, style of tannic wine produced in 1995. While the wine is coming around, it will always have a tannic side to its character. There was a touch of green and some dryness in the chewy, sharp, cassis filled finish.

11,725 Views   Tasted
An austere, brawny, powerful, hard style of wine with a strong tannic spine that reminds me of a typical 1986 Bordeaux. There is a lot of structure, and depth, but at 16 years of age, the future is not looking good. For those that like this old school, traditional style, they will probably find it more pleasing than I did.

An austere, brawny, powerful, hard style of wine with a strong tannic spine that reminds me of a typical 1986 Bordeaux. There is a lot of structure, and depth, but at 16 years of age, the future is not looking good. For those that like this old school, traditional style, they will probably find it more pleasing than I did.

11,780 Views   Tasted
1994
88
Lean, firm and bright, some traditional tasters would call this classic. I think it's closer to unripe. The tannins are firm and the fruits are dominated by red berries. I'd drink this sooner than later as it's not going to improve.

Lean, firm and bright, some traditional tasters would call this classic. I think it's closer to unripe. The tannins are firm and the fruits are dominated by red berries. I'd drink this sooner than later as it's not going to improve.

4,363 Views   Tasted
1990
83
Not corked, but off. The wine at best, combined dull and dumb, with hints of cassis, tobacco and earth. There was not much going on, and what little was there, was not exactly worth seeking out, This wine was produced during a period when there was contamination in their storage houses. I would not buy this wine.

Not corked, but off. The wine at best, combined dull and dumb, with hints of cassis, tobacco and earth. There was not much going on, and what little was there, was not exactly worth seeking out, This wine was produced during a period when there was contamination in their storage houses. I would not buy this wine.

7,415 Views   Tasted
1989
91
From recorked bottles, this was a clean machine. I asked Bruno Borie how he found 2 clean bottles out of all the tainted bottles. He explained that during recorking, they destroyed all the tainted bottles, which was a massive percentage of the wines they had in their cellar. They saved just the good bottles. Medium bodied, tobacco, cassis, earth and cigar box driven, this bottle was all about its classic Bordeaux style and charm. This is fully mature. There is no reason to wait to pop a cork.

From recorked bottles, this was a clean machine. I asked Bruno Borie how he found 2 clean bottles out of all the tainted bottles. He explained that during recorking, they destroyed all the tainted bottles, which was a massive percentage of the wines they had in their cellar. They saved just the good bottles. Medium bodied, tobacco, cassis, earth and cigar box driven, this bottle was all about its classic Bordeaux style and charm. This is fully mature. There is no reason to wait to pop a cork.

5,835 Views   Tasted
Unclean, rustic and with distinctive notes of barnyard, earth, horse, tobacco and wet leaves with cherry. The texture is rustic. The finish is short, which is not a bad thing in this case. This was much more enjoyable in its youth.

Unclean, rustic and with distinctive notes of barnyard, earth, horse, tobacco and wet leaves with cherry. The texture is rustic. The finish is short, which is not a bad thing in this case. This was much more enjoyable in its youth.

6,499 Views   Tasted
1988
89
Medium bodied, fully mature, with cassis, cranberry, earth, tobacco, cedar and forest floor notes, there is a hint of rusticity in the tannins and some green notes in the red berry finish that is going to appeal to old school tasters. Successful for the vintage, this is slightly on the classic, austere side of the style range. There is no reason to age this any longer.

Medium bodied, fully mature, with cassis, cranberry, earth, tobacco, cedar and forest floor notes, there is a hint of rusticity in the tannins and some green notes in the red berry finish that is going to appeal to old school tasters. Successful for the vintage, this is slightly on the classic, austere side of the style range. There is no reason to age this any longer.

7,257 Views   Tasted
1986
88
Tannic, classic, stern and tough style of old school Bordeaux is more fun in the nose than on the palate with its austere, slightly dry personality.

Tannic, classic, stern and tough style of old school Bordeaux is more fun in the nose than on the palate with its austere, slightly dry personality.

7,076 Views   Tasted
More tannin than fruit. Hard, austere and charmless. Not a wine for pleasure seekers.

More tannin than fruit. Hard, austere and charmless. Not a wine for pleasure seekers.

5,401 Views   Tasted
1985
91
Fully mature in the color, texture and nose, you find forest floor, herbs, cherry pipe tobacco and wet earth aromatics. Medium bodied, soft, silky, elegant and with a bit of dust in the tannins, the wine ends with cocoa powder and cassis. There is no reason to hold this wine any longer.

Fully mature in the color, texture and nose, you find forest floor, herbs, cherry pipe tobacco and wet earth aromatics. Medium bodied, soft, silky, elegant and with a bit of dust in the tannins, the wine ends with cocoa powder and cassis. There is no reason to hold this wine any longer.

3,865 Views   Tasted
Fully developed, this polished, soft, wine is traditional in all the right ways. Tobacco, forest floor, cedar and cherry pipe smoke create the perfume. The finish feels great with its fresh, cherry filled personality. There is no reason not to pull a cork if you have this in your cellar.

Fully developed, this polished, soft, wine is traditional in all the right ways. Tobacco, forest floor, cedar and cherry pipe smoke create the perfume. The finish feels great with its fresh, cherry filled personality. There is no reason not to pull a cork if you have this in your cellar.

6,510 Views   Tasted
The cassis, tobacco, earthy, spice, truffle driven perfume opens to reveal a fully mature Bordeaux wine. Soft and round in texture, this elegantly styled Ducru ends with a cassis filled finish. Perfume, elegant textures and the patina of age are in abundance in this wine. This is bottle number 11 from an original case. I plan on drinking the remaining bottle in the next few years as the wine will not improve.

The cassis, tobacco, earthy, spice, truffle driven perfume opens to reveal a fully mature Bordeaux wine. Soft and round in texture, this elegantly styled Ducru ends with a cassis filled finish. Perfume, elegant textures and the patina of age are in abundance in this wine. This is bottle number 11 from an original case. I plan on drinking the remaining bottle in the next few years as the wine will not improve.

8,879 Views   Tasted
Cedar, cigar ash, leather, cassis, truffle, black raspberry and chocolate mint introduce the wine to your senses. Full bodied and fully mature, this chewy, dark cherry wine finishes with long, clean fresh sensations. This probably will not improve. But well stored bottles should remain at this level for several years.

Cedar, cigar ash, leather, cassis, truffle, black raspberry and chocolate mint introduce the wine to your senses. Full bodied and fully mature, this chewy, dark cherry wine finishes with long, clean fresh sensations. This probably will not improve. But well stored bottles should remain at this level for several years.

8,899 Views   Tasted
Herbs, red & black fruit, oak, mocha and coffee notes made for a nice perfume. This elegant, medium to full bodied wine ended with a nice finish and offered some depth. This should evolve an additional 10-15 years.

Herbs, red & black fruit, oak, mocha and coffee notes made for a nice perfume. This elegant, medium to full bodied wine ended with a nice finish and offered some depth. This should evolve an additional 10-15 years.

4,403 Views   Tasted
1983
89
Medium bodied, with cherry, strawberry, earth, cigar box, cedar and forest floor in the nose, the wine is more interesting on the nose than in the palate, with its spicy, bright, red fruit and olive filled finish. This is probably past its prime time drinking window and requires consumption.

Medium bodied, with cherry, strawberry, earth, cigar box, cedar and forest floor in the nose, the wine is more interesting on the nose than in the palate, with its spicy, bright, red fruit and olive filled finish. This is probably past its prime time drinking window and requires consumption.

5,644 Views   Tasted
1982
98
One of the recently released bottles from Ducru Beaucaillou, which you can tell, as it sports the modern design, was about as good a bottle of 82 Ducru as you are ever going to have. Full-bodied, elegant, rich, multi-layered, and multi-faceted, the tobacco, cedar, currant, and wet forest profile on the nose was great. But the layers of ripe, lush, rich fruits with their silky, refined tannins stole the show. Popped and poured, perhaps 30 minutes or so would have improved the experience, but as the wine developed in the glass, we were more than happy.

One of the recently released bottles from Ducru Beaucaillou, which you can tell, as it sports the modern design, was about as good a bottle of 82 Ducru as you are ever going to have. Full-bodied, elegant, rich, multi-layered, and multi-faceted, the tobacco, cedar, currant, and wet forest profile on the nose was great. But the layers of ripe, lush, rich fruits with their silky, refined tannins stole the show. Popped and poured, perhaps 30 minutes or so would have improved the experience, but as the wine developed in the glass, we were more than happy.

3,500 Views   Tasted
From magnum, this bottle was sublime. With just 20-30 minutes of air, cedar, tobacco, cigar box, red currants, forest floor, and fallen leaf aromas created a distinctive perfume. Full-bodied, concentrated, regal, and packed with multiple layers of ripe red fruits, spice, and tobacco, this is truly in its prime time drinking window.

From magnum, this bottle was sublime. With just 20-30 minutes of air, cedar, tobacco, cigar box, red currants, forest floor, and fallen leaf aromas created a distinctive perfume. Full-bodied, concentrated, regal, and packed with multiple layers of ripe red fruits, spice, and tobacco, this is truly in its prime time drinking window.

4,922 Views   Tasted
At full maturity, the wine offers a complex, full-bodied, elegant, refined mouthful of ripe, red berries. The cedar, tobacco leaf, spice and blast of cassis with crisp cherries and a sprig of herbs is singing at full-throttle today. I am sure this is going to remain at this high level for at least 2 decades or so.

At full maturity, the wine offers a complex, full-bodied, elegant, refined mouthful of ripe, red berries. The cedar, tobacco leaf, spice and blast of cassis with crisp cherries and a sprig of herbs is singing at full-throttle today. I am sure this is going to remain at this high level for at least 2 decades or so.

4,169 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, this is an exciting wine to taste. Full-bodied, with depth and complexity, the nose with its crushed rock, tobacco and wet forest floor makeup grabs you. On the palate, the wine, with its soft tannins and patina of age tastes as good as it feels. The fruit and freshness in the endnote keeps on going. This is close to its peak, but there is no hurry, if it is well stored.

Fully mature, this is an exciting wine to taste. Full-bodied, with depth and complexity, the nose with its crushed rock, tobacco and wet forest floor makeup grabs you. On the palate, the wine, with its soft tannins and patina of age tastes as good as it feels. The fruit and freshness in the endnote keeps on going. This is close to its peak, but there is no hurry, if it is well stored.

4,276 Views   Tasted
A fabulous, fully mature wine, you find concentration of flavor, intensity in the aromatics and a long, richly textured finish, with silky, round, polished tannins and spicy, tobacco tinged, red fruits.

A fabulous, fully mature wine, you find concentration of flavor, intensity in the aromatics and a long, richly textured finish, with silky, round, polished tannins and spicy, tobacco tinged, red fruits.

6,086 Views   Tasted
Recorked by the chateau, the wine is more interesting on the nose than the palate. There is a lack of density I often find in other bottles. The fruit is fine, but the finish is short. I have had much better bottles. I am not sure the performance of this bottle was due to provenance or because it was recorked.

Recorked by the chateau, the wine is more interesting on the nose than the palate. There is a lack of density I often find in other bottles. The fruit is fine, but the finish is short. I have had much better bottles. I am not sure the performance of this bottle was due to provenance or because it was recorked.

5,476 Views   Tasted
What a beauty from start to finish with its cedar chest, tobacco, earth and cassis filled nose. Concentrated, fresh, lively and displaying the patina of age in its texture, the fruit was still vibrant and the tannins were soft and round. This is really showing great today. it could get better. But there is no reason to wait. The bottle was popped and poured.

What a beauty from start to finish with its cedar chest, tobacco, earth and cassis filled nose. Concentrated, fresh, lively and displaying the patina of age in its texture, the fruit was still vibrant and the tannins were soft and round. This is really showing great today. it could get better. But there is no reason to wait. The bottle was popped and poured.

6,016 Views   Tasted
This beauty has been remarkably consistent. I do not know if my bottles have been great, or if I've just been lucky, but either way, I'm taking it. The wine is concentrated, full bodied and deep. There is energy in the ripe cassis, fresh berries, smoke, tobacco and earthy truffle character. The finish lingers and builds in flavor, freshness and intensity. This is probably drinking in the sweet spot today. A splash decanting is all you need for this wine to show its best.

This beauty has been remarkably consistent. I do not know if my bottles have been great, or if I've just been lucky, but either way, I'm taking it. The wine is concentrated, full bodied and deep. There is energy in the ripe cassis, fresh berries, smoke, tobacco and earthy truffle character. The finish lingers and builds in flavor, freshness and intensity. This is probably drinking in the sweet spot today. A splash decanting is all you need for this wine to show its best.

6,223 Views   Tasted
Regardless of how many times I taste this wine, I’m always happy to taste it again. Charming, supple, concentrated and balanced, the fruit is ripe, soft and polished, just like the tannins. There is no reason to wait any longer if you have a bottle.

Regardless of how many times I taste this wine, I’m always happy to taste it again. Charming, supple, concentrated and balanced, the fruit is ripe, soft and polished, just like the tannins. There is no reason to wait any longer if you have a bottle.

6,688 Views   Tasted
I love this wine! Tasted three times this year, each bottle has been stunning. What's not to like? It's sensuous, polished, plush and fresh, with complex aromas, silky, rich textures and a long, pure finish. Drink it now, or age it for more secondary character.

I love this wine! Tasted three times this year, each bottle has been stunning. What's not to like? It's sensuous, polished, plush and fresh, with complex aromas, silky, rich textures and a long, pure finish. Drink it now, or age it for more secondary character.

8,088 Views   Tasted
What a beauty! This wine offers everything that is great about aged Bordeaux. A complex perfume packed with earth, truffle, tobacco, cherries, spice and cassis. Concentration of flavor, soft, textures and a long, fresh, fruit filled finish. Drink this now, or wait a decade.

What a beauty! This wine offers everything that is great about aged Bordeaux. A complex perfume packed with earth, truffle, tobacco, cherries, spice and cassis. Concentration of flavor, soft, textures and a long, fresh, fruit filled finish. Drink this now, or wait a decade.

7,586 Views   Tasted
Over the past 3-4 years, 1982 Ducru Beaucaillou took a huge step up in quality. It's more interesting, complex and rich. Everything has come together and fallen into place with its tobacco leaf, cigar box, earth, coffee bean, cedar chest and black cherry liqueur filled personality. Powerful, but silky, soft and delicious, drink it now, or age it for 10-20 or more years. This is the best vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou after 1961, all the until the 2005.

Over the past 3-4 years, 1982 Ducru Beaucaillou took a huge step up in quality. It's more interesting, complex and rich. Everything has come together and fallen into place with its tobacco leaf, cigar box, earth, coffee bean, cedar chest and black cherry liqueur filled personality. Powerful, but silky, soft and delicious, drink it now, or age it for 10-20 or more years. This is the best vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou after 1961, all the until the 2005.

7,477 Views   Tasted
1982 Ducru Beaucaillou is packed with explosive, spicy aromatics, cedar wood, truffle and wet earth. Intense, rich and powerful, the wine offers soft, round textures and a silky, cassis and spice box finish.

1982 Ducru Beaucaillou is packed with explosive, spicy aromatics, cedar wood, truffle and wet earth. Intense, rich and powerful, the wine offers soft, round textures and a silky, cassis and spice box finish.

8,785 Views   Tasted
This looked like a perfect bottle. High fill, spinning capsule and the wine had great, deep color. But with all that, and a nose of smoke, truffle, blackberry, cedar wood, caramel, cassis and earth, this bottle did not open as well as expected. There was a tart character and more of a rustic, masculine quality to the wine that is not typical, for this normally, charming Bordeaux wine. Even with a few hours in the glass, the wine never developed well. I've tasted better bottles.

This looked like a perfect bottle. High fill, spinning capsule and the wine had great, deep color. But with all that, and a nose of smoke, truffle, blackberry, cedar wood, caramel, cassis and earth, this bottle did not open as well as expected. There was a tart character and more of a rustic, masculine quality to the wine that is not typical, for this normally, charming Bordeaux wine. Even with a few hours in the glass, the wine never developed well. I've tasted better bottles.

11,263 Views   Tasted
Light ruby in color, with tobacco, earth, cedar wood, lead pencil, earth and black cherry scents. Full bodied, soft textured and silky, this bottle is fully mature. The wine ends with a refined, spicy, cherry finish. This bottle was better in texture, but less interesting on the nose than other bottles I've had. That old saying is proven true once again. After 20 years, there is no such thing as great wines. There are only great bottles.

Light ruby in color, with tobacco, earth, cedar wood, lead pencil, earth and black cherry scents. Full bodied, soft textured and silky, this bottle is fully mature. The wine ends with a refined, spicy, cherry finish. This bottle was better in texture, but less interesting on the nose than other bottles I've had. That old saying is proven true once again. After 20 years, there is no such thing as great wines. There are only great bottles.

12,731 Views   Tasted
At close to 30 years of age, this remarkable St. Julien is still young, vibrant and fresh! Tobacco, cedar chest, truffles, cassis, Asian spice and damp forest floor scents exude from the glass. Powerful, full bodied and packed with juicy, ripe, blackberries, the wine fills your mouth with sweet, spicy, ripe, black and red fruits. This is a great Bordeaux drinking experience and it's only going to get better over the 10-20 more years, provided the wine is well stored.

At close to 30 years of age, this remarkable St. Julien is still young, vibrant and fresh! Tobacco, cedar chest, truffles, cassis, Asian spice and damp forest floor scents exude from the glass. Powerful, full bodied and packed with juicy, ripe, blackberries, the wine fills your mouth with sweet, spicy, ripe, black and red fruits. This is a great Bordeaux drinking experience and it's only going to get better over the 10-20 more years, provided the wine is well stored.

12,359 Views   Tasted
Dark, purple, ruby with light edges. The nose sports herbs, cassis and earthy truffle scents. The wine is elegant on the palate with a beautiful finish.

Dark, purple, ruby with light edges. The nose sports herbs, cassis and earthy truffle scents. The wine is elegant on the palate with a beautiful finish.

6,623 Views   Tasted
Vanilla, eucalyptus, licorice, and black currants jumped from the glass after 10 minutes. This full bodied wine delivers an elegant finish that coats your mouth with ripe, black fruit. No hurry to drink this as it has a long future ahead.

Vanilla, eucalyptus, licorice, and black currants jumped from the glass after 10 minutes. This full bodied wine delivers an elegant finish that coats your mouth with ripe, black fruit. No hurry to drink this as it has a long future ahead.

6,415 Views   Tasted
1981
89
A vintage I seldom see anymore, the wine is more interesting on its complex nose, due to the tobacco, cigar leaf, ash, cedar, thyme, leaf and red berry nose. Medium bodied, soft and with fresh, bright red fruits on the palate, this requires drinking sooner than later.

A vintage I seldom see anymore, the wine is more interesting on its complex nose, due to the tobacco, cigar leaf, ash, cedar, thyme, leaf and red berry nose. Medium bodied, soft and with fresh, bright red fruits on the palate, this requires drinking sooner than later.

3,676 Views   Tasted
1979
88
Light, bright and with more cedar, herbs, leaf and tobacco than fruit, the classically styled wine has slipped past full maturity. The finish is bright, crisp and a bit tart with a full load of cigar notes.

Light, bright and with more cedar, herbs, leaf and tobacco than fruit, the classically styled wine has slipped past full maturity. The finish is bright, crisp and a bit tart with a full load of cigar notes.

5,035 Views   Tasted
1978
86
Black currants, oak and coffee notes with a short, drying finish. Like most 78's, IMO, this will not improve and has already begun to drop its fruit. Drink up.

Black currants, oak and coffee notes with a short, drying finish. Like most 78's, IMO, this will not improve and has already begun to drop its fruit. Drink up.

3,236 Views   Tasted
1976
87
Lots of smoke, truffle and tobacco going on here, but not much fruit. Medium bodied, with a red berry character, this requires drinking.

Lots of smoke, truffle and tobacco going on here, but not much fruit. Medium bodied, with a red berry character, this requires drinking.

5,268 Views   Tasted
1975
87
Classic old school styled claret, driven by its masculine leaning personality and smoky, tobacco, cigar box and cassis nose, this is fully mature. Fans of the wine 1996 forward might have a problem with its old school style, while older, classic wine tasters will have more fun with the wine.

Classic old school styled claret, driven by its masculine leaning personality and smoky, tobacco, cigar box and cassis nose, this is fully mature. Fans of the wine 1996 forward might have a problem with its old school style, while older, classic wine tasters will have more fun with the wine.

4,822 Views   Tasted
Austere, tough and tanninc, the wine is better on the nose with its cedar, truffle, cigar box, tobacco, earth and dark cherry scented nose. There is no hurry to drink this wine, but I am not sure its going to improve.

Austere, tough and tanninc, the wine is better on the nose with its cedar, truffle, cigar box, tobacco, earth and dark cherry scented nose. There is no hurry to drink this wine, but I am not sure its going to improve.

5,442 Views   Tasted
1970
93
A charming, classic, medium-bodied, Bordeaux with dried flowers, red currants, red plums, cedar, tobacco leaf, and spice notes that display in the nose and on the soft, refined, elegant, crisp, and vibrant palate. This is not a wine to hold for further aging. But, it is just great for near-term consumption. Drink from 2023-2028.

A charming, classic, medium-bodied, Bordeaux with dried flowers, red currants, red plums, cedar, tobacco leaf, and spice notes that display in the nose and on the soft, refined, elegant, crisp, and vibrant palate. This is not a wine to hold for further aging. But, it is just great for near-term consumption. Drink from 2023-2028.

2,222 Views   Tasted
A perfect example of a classic styled Bordeaux. As rustic as it is charming, with a great cedar, tobacco, wet earth and red berry nose, with a finish that wants to be elegant, but cant get there, and offers rusticity in the tannins, with some greeness, and yet, a lot of charm.

A perfect example of a classic styled Bordeaux. As rustic as it is charming, with a great cedar, tobacco, wet earth and red berry nose, with a finish that wants to be elegant, but cant get there, and offers rusticity in the tannins, with some greeness, and yet, a lot of charm.

4,657 Views   Tasted
Solid example of classic, old school, Saint Julien, with its nose of cedar, tobacco, wet forest floor, spice box and red berries. Rustic, but charming, the medium bodied wine is more on the secondary side of life. No decanting needed here, just pop and pour.

Solid example of classic, old school, Saint Julien, with its nose of cedar, tobacco, wet forest floor, spice box and red berries. Rustic, but charming, the medium bodied wine is more on the secondary side of life. No decanting needed here, just pop and pour.

5,252 Views   Tasted
Smoke, tobacco, spice, forest floor earth, cassis and ash scents are there, but most of the aromas are secondary, not much fruit remains in the nose. Medium bodied and short, this is well past its prime. Drink up as it's only going to get worse.

Smoke, tobacco, spice, forest floor earth, cassis and ash scents are there, but most of the aromas are secondary, not much fruit remains in the nose. Medium bodied and short, this is well past its prime. Drink up as it's only going to get worse.

6,600 Views   Tasted
1966
89
Tobacco, cigar box, truffle, forest floor, cassis, leaf and ash aromas, led to a fully mature vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou. Medium bodied, with soft textures coupled with the patina of age, this wine requires drinking sooner than later.

Tobacco, cigar box, truffle, forest floor, cassis, leaf and ash aromas, led to a fully mature vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou. Medium bodied, with soft textures coupled with the patina of age, this wine requires drinking sooner than later.

5,193 Views   Tasted
1964
88
Better than expected from this deservedly maligned vintage for the Left Bank. The wine is better on its complex, earthy, cigar box, cedar and earthy nose, than on the palate. This requires consumption.

Better than expected from this deservedly maligned vintage for the Left Bank. The wine is better on its complex, earthy, cigar box, cedar and earthy nose, than on the palate. This requires consumption.

5,341 Views   Tasted
From a perfectly stored magnum, this medium bodied, tobacco laden charmer was displaying more tobacco, earth, truffle, cigar box and cedar wood than red fruits. That being said, it's still a treat that I will recall tasting for years to come. However, it does need to be consumed sooner than later.

From a perfectly stored magnum, this medium bodied, tobacco laden charmer was displaying more tobacco, earth, truffle, cigar box and cedar wood than red fruits. That being said, it's still a treat that I will recall tasting for years to come. However, it does need to be consumed sooner than later.

6,173 Views   Tasted
1961
99
A stunning example that hit all of its marks, starting with its haunting perfume loaded with tobacco, mushrooms, cedar chest, leather, currants, mint leaf, and cherries. Full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced perfectly between its regal character and layers of still vibrant, earthy, ripe, red fruits. The finish stuck its mark with close to 60 seconds of pleasure in every sip. A good bottle is a majestic tasting experience. Drink from 2023-2035.

A stunning example that hit all of its marks, starting with its haunting perfume loaded with tobacco, mushrooms, cedar chest, leather, currants, mint leaf, and cherries. Full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced perfectly between its regal character and layers of still vibrant, earthy, ripe, red fruits. The finish stuck its mark with close to 60 seconds of pleasure in every sip. A good bottle is a majestic tasting experience. Drink from 2023-2035.

2,152 Views   Tasted
This is a perfect example of why you age Bordeaux. It took about 10 minutes in the glass before the complex array of scents took charge. Lead pencil, cassis, tobacco, smoke, cigar box and woodsy aromatics were just great. On the palate, the patina of age added to the lush, round, regal textures. The fruit was ripe, sweet, fresh and kept on going. The wine delivered pleasure in the glass for at least 2 hours. Popped and poured, this is a sublime example of mature Bordeaux.

This is a perfect example of why you age Bordeaux. It took about 10 minutes in the glass before the complex array of scents took charge. Lead pencil, cassis, tobacco, smoke, cigar box and woodsy aromatics were just great. On the palate, the patina of age added to the lush, round, regal textures. The fruit was ripe, sweet, fresh and kept on going. The wine delivered pleasure in the glass for at least 2 hours. Popped and poured, this is a sublime example of mature Bordeaux.

3,004 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, the wine still shows freshness, character and loads of ripe, spicy, earthy, tobacco and forest floor notes. Decanting to remove the wine off its sediment was all it needed before it rocked.

Fully mature, the wine still shows freshness, character and loads of ripe, spicy, earthy, tobacco and forest floor notes. Decanting to remove the wine off its sediment was all it needed before it rocked.

2,412 Views   Tasted
A perfect bottle from the chateau, having reached full maturity, this is off the hook. The nose, with its strong, tobacco leaf, Cuban cigar, ash, smoke, lead pencil, cedar chest and crushed rock nuances that blend with the ripe red fruits could keep any taster focused. But it is the length, complexity, texture and levels of concentration in the expansive finish that leaves you with the best memory.

A perfect bottle from the chateau, having reached full maturity, this is off the hook. The nose, with its strong, tobacco leaf, Cuban cigar, ash, smoke, lead pencil, cedar chest and crushed rock nuances that blend with the ripe red fruits could keep any taster focused. But it is the length, complexity, texture and levels of concentration in the expansive finish that leaves you with the best memory.

3,792 Views   Tasted
As the 1961 vintage and I age, sadly, we see less of each other every year. Even sadder, I think the best 61's are aging better than I am... What a beauty, showing the color of ruby tea, the wine is concentrated and intense. Strong notes of Cuban cigar wrapper, tobacco, wet, forest floor, spice, smoke and cherries in the perfume, one the palate, the wine has that sublime patina of age, softening and fattening the wine, allowing the palate a real taste treat.

As the 1961 vintage and I age, sadly, we see less of each other every year. Even sadder, I think the best 61's are aging better than I am... What a beauty, showing the color of ruby tea, the wine is concentrated and intense. Strong notes of Cuban cigar wrapper, tobacco, wet, forest floor, spice, smoke and cherries in the perfume, one the palate, the wine has that sublime patina of age, softening and fattening the wine, allowing the palate a real taste treat.

3,633 Views   Tasted
Fabulous example of mature claret at its best. All the cedar, tobacco, cigar box, forest floor and cherry you can imagine, accompanied by a full bodied, concentrated wine with depth and complexity.

Fabulous example of mature claret at its best. All the cedar, tobacco, cigar box, forest floor and cherry you can imagine, accompanied by a full bodied, concentrated wine with depth and complexity.

3,283 Views   Tasted
Brick in color, with some, tobacco, wild strawberry, cigar box, truffle and decaying leaf notes in the hauntingly, complex set of aromatics. The palate is refined, sensuous and silky, ending with a soft, sweet, ripe and over ripe sensation of spicy red berries that remains on your palate for at least 40 seconds. Bottles with great storage, or in large formats can still age and improve!

Brick in color, with some, tobacco, wild strawberry, cigar box, truffle and decaying leaf notes in the hauntingly, complex set of aromatics. The palate is refined, sensuous and silky, ending with a soft, sweet, ripe and over ripe sensation of spicy red berries that remains on your palate for at least 40 seconds. Bottles with great storage, or in large formats can still age and improve!

5,364 Views   Tasted
Truffles, tobacco, ripe cherries, earth, spice, cedar and leather notes pop from your glass. The wine is still concentrated with a soft, elegant, complex, palate filling finish. This fully mature Bordeaux is a finesse style of traditional St. Julien, The long cherry, cassis finish remains on your palate for over :40 seconds. The memory of drinking it that night at the Chateau stays for a lifetime!

Truffles, tobacco, ripe cherries, earth, spice, cedar and leather notes pop from your glass. The wine is still concentrated with a soft, elegant, complex, palate filling finish. This fully mature Bordeaux is a finesse style of traditional St. Julien, The long cherry, cassis finish remains on your palate for over :40 seconds. The memory of drinking it that night at the Chateau stays for a lifetime!

4,150 Views   Tasted
With its bricky color gave up notes of wood, coffee, earth, tobacco and cassis. Decent weight, but the finish was almost light.

With its bricky color gave up notes of wood, coffee, earth, tobacco and cassis. Decent weight, but the finish was almost light.

3,867 Views   Tasted
1959
98
The nose pops with notes of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, and an array of sweet dark, and white cherries with a touch of spearmint on the back end. The palate is silky, vibrant, and right in the middle of firm, and flamboyant, with a boatload of sweet, cherries, currants, tobacco, and a dollop of citrus. The finish lingers with all that fruit, which is a good thing, as this is a wine you cannot get enough of. Drink from 2023-2039.

The nose pops with notes of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, and an array of sweet dark, and white cherries with a touch of spearmint on the back end. The palate is silky, vibrant, and right in the middle of firm, and flamboyant, with a boatload of sweet, cherries, currants, tobacco, and a dollop of citrus. The finish lingers with all that fruit, which is a good thing, as this is a wine you cannot get enough of. Drink from 2023-2039.

2,176 Views   Tasted
1955
93
A wine I seldom see, after tasting this bottle, I wish I had a few more in my cellar. Soft, gentle, elegant, medium-bodied and serving up its mix of bright, sweet and tart red fruits with ease, you also found delicate notes of tobacco leaf, cigar box, herbs and cherries from start to finish. If the endnote was longer, the wine would have merited a much higher score.

A wine I seldom see, after tasting this bottle, I wish I had a few more in my cellar. Soft, gentle, elegant, medium-bodied and serving up its mix of bright, sweet and tart red fruits with ease, you also found delicate notes of tobacco leaf, cigar box, herbs and cherries from start to finish. If the endnote was longer, the wine would have merited a much higher score.

2,897 Views   Tasted
1955 Ducru Beaucaillu is the color of light ruby with tea. In the nose, the wine is filled with rich earthy scents, cassis, tobacco, cedar, mushroom and Asian spices. Elegant, soft, sophisticated and suave on the palate for the first 20/30 minutes, this dark cherry, spice, tobacco and strawberry filled finish lasts close to 30 seconds. After 20/30 minutes the wine quickly lost fruit. But those initial moments were a lot of fun to taste.

1955 Ducru Beaucaillu is the color of light ruby with tea. In the nose, the wine is filled with rich earthy scents, cassis, tobacco, cedar, mushroom and Asian spices. Elegant, soft, sophisticated and suave on the palate for the first 20/30 minutes, this dark cherry, spice, tobacco and strawberry filled finish lasts close to 30 seconds. After 20/30 minutes the wine quickly lost fruit. But those initial moments were a lot of fun to taste.

5,169 Views   Tasted
1953
92
A beautiful example of bottled history. The wine is fully mature, yet still offering a sweet, earthy, blast of cigar box, ash, truffle, tobacco and cherries. Showing that great patina of age that mature Claret lovers cannot get enough of, this charmer really delivers the goods.

A beautiful example of bottled history. The wine is fully mature, yet still offering a sweet, earthy, blast of cigar box, ash, truffle, tobacco and cherries. Showing that great patina of age that mature Claret lovers cannot get enough of, this charmer really delivers the goods.

2,477 Views   Tasted
1952
93
Red currants, smoke, cedar, tobacco, cigar box, and herbs permeated the nose and palate here. Firm, yet regal, with a juicy bite of red currants and tobacco leaf on the palate, this was still offering up the goods on its 70th birthday. Drink from 2022-2030.

Red currants, smoke, cedar, tobacco, cigar box, and herbs permeated the nose and palate here. Firm, yet regal, with a juicy bite of red currants and tobacco leaf on the palate, this was still offering up the goods on its 70th birthday. Drink from 2022-2030.

1,390 Views   Tasted
1949
85
Clearly fading, the medium-bodied wine was better on the nose, than on the short palate. Most of the red fruits have been replaced by earthy, cedar and leafy notes. All things considered, not a bad showing for a 70-year-old bottle of wine.

Clearly fading, the medium-bodied wine was better on the nose, than on the short palate. Most of the red fruits have been replaced by earthy, cedar and leafy notes. All things considered, not a bad showing for a 70-year-old bottle of wine.

1,842 Views   Tasted
not quite corked, but it was not quite right either. It was definitely off its game, which was too bad, as it was the first time I was going to taste the wine. Very earthy, bretty and focused on the smoke and tobacco side of the style range. The patina of age added to the wine, but the finish short and muted. Keep in mind, this note is about this specific bottle. Bottles in better shape should deliver a much better tasting experience.

not quite corked, but it was not quite right either. It was definitely off its game, which was too bad, as it was the first time I was going to taste the wine. Very earthy, bretty and focused on the smoke and tobacco side of the style range. The patina of age added to the wine, but the finish short and muted. Keep in mind, this note is about this specific bottle. Bottles in better shape should deliver a much better tasting experience.

4,493 Views   Tasted
1947
82
Well past is expiry date, the wine offers more tobacco, earth, herbs and leafy characteristics than one might need. The finish is rustic, with a distinct herbal edge to the remaining cassis and cherry fruit.

Well past is expiry date, the wine offers more tobacco, earth, herbs and leafy characteristics than one might need. The finish is rustic, with a distinct herbal edge to the remaining cassis and cherry fruit.

1,892 Views   Tasted
1920
87
Fading, but with some red fruits remaining, along with spice, wet earth, herbs, cedar chest, tobacco, and cigar ash. Rustic, but in a good way, with a light, crisp, herbed, red fruit finish. Talk about a vintage you would never think you would taste, especially from a large format bottle, but that is what you took place at the 20th-anniversary lunch at Ducru Beaucillou, celebrating two decades with Bruno Borie at the helm.

Fading, but with some red fruits remaining, along with spice, wet earth, herbs, cedar chest, tobacco, and cigar ash. Rustic, but in a good way, with a light, crisp, herbed, red fruit finish. Talk about a vintage you would never think you would taste, especially from a large format bottle, but that is what you took place at the 20th-anniversary lunch at Ducru Beaucillou, celebrating two decades with Bruno Borie at the helm.

1,438 Views   Tasted
1918
80
This tea colored wine showed strawberry, rhubarb, butterscotch, earth and VA were in the nose. The light fruit offered a combination of sweet and sour flavors in the short finish.

This tea colored wine showed strawberry, rhubarb, butterscotch, earth and VA were in the nose. The light fruit offered a combination of sweet and sour flavors in the short finish.

4,265 Views   Tasted