Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend
St. Julien, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
The 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of my favourite vintages of this decade and here it outclasses the 2015. Superb delineation, this exudes gorgeous blackberry and earthy scents on the nose, soon overtaken by saline, almost briny aromas wafting from the Gironde estuary. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, layers of black fruit, sweet with blood orange and Asian spices developing towards the finish. Blind, it might pick this as coming from a warmer summer. It’s a great Ducru-Beaucaillou with charm and personality. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2022)
The 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of my favourite vintages of this decade and here it outclasses the 2015. Superb delineation, this exudes gorgeous blackberry and earthy scents on the nose, soon overtaken by saline, almost briny aromas wafting from the Gironde estuary. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, layers of black fruit, sweet with blood orange and Asian spices developing towards the finish. Blind, it might pick this as coming from a warmer summer. It’s a great Ducru-Beaucaillou with charm and personality. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2022)
This ”left bank” Bordeaux eludes a sophisticated sexiness from start. In the glass, it’s inky, dense, purple intimidates you at first, but the silky, well balanced full bodied with soft tannins puts your mouth at ease. From the nose to finish, it is apparent that it had spent a substantial amount of time in French Oak. Notes of cassis, black cherry on the palate add a chocolate mole as it begins to breathe, with a finish reminiscent of those Welch’s Strawberry Fruit Snacks (in a great way) on a lengthy finish. Pairs great with a smoked Gouda, but almost equally as good alone. While the $150 price May scare you away, it is worth every penny. Savor every sip!
This ”left bank” Bordeaux eludes a sophisticated sexiness from start. In the glass, it’s inky, dense, purple intimidates you at first, but the silky, well balanced full bodied with soft tannins puts your mouth at ease. From the nose to finish, it is apparent that it had spent a substantial amount of time in French Oak. Notes of cassis, black cherry on the palate add a chocolate mole as it begins to breathe, with a finish reminiscent of those Welch’s Strawberry Fruit Snacks (in a great way) on a lengthy finish. Pairs great with a smoked Gouda, but almost equally as good alone. While the $150 price May scare you away, it is worth every penny. Savor every sip!
1 person found it helpfulOct 9th, 2018
A Victorian-style castle that looks over the Gironde estuary, in the center of a hundred-year-old park. A blend of 90% Cab Sauv & 10% Merlot, in 100% new French oak, aromas of pure fresh fruit layering in cedar, graphite and some floral notes. On the palate raspberry & blackberry with hints of black pepper, vanilla and oak harmony. Fine tannins, great acidity balance, lingering ending with an espresso and earthy mineral character. Tempting but give this a few years. Tasting Sample.
A Victorian-style castle that looks over the Gironde estuary, in the center of a hundred-year-old park. A blend of 90% Cab Sauv & 10% Merlot, in 100% new French oak, aromas of pure fresh fruit layering in cedar, graphite and some floral notes. On the palate raspberry & blackberry with hints of black pepper, vanilla and oak harmony. Fine tannins, great acidity balance, lingering ending with an espresso and earthy mineral character. Tempting but give this a few years. Tasting Sample.
1 person found it helpfulJun 29th, 2018Fantastic wine. Needs a year or two more in the cellar to make it perfect.
Fantastic wine. Needs a year or two more in the cellar to make it perfect.
Oct 19th, 2019
