CHÂTEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU

Structured, dark ruby (deeper than the decade-younger 2013), with beautifully judged smoked oak notes. Shows the classic structure of St Julien, dark cassis and blackberry fruits, mint leaf on the finish, tobacco and cigar, a delicious wine, great example of how the best wines of the Médoc are imprinted by vintage character, but it never overshadows the estate signature. Harvest September 23 to October 11, 80% new oak. Eric and Jacques Boissenot consultant. Drinking range: 2023 - 2038 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2023)

The 2004 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a vintage that I have not tasted for a few years. Now at 17-years of age, it has a delineated, tertiary, tobacco-scented nose where secondary scents are playing the major roles. Cigar humidor, autumn leaves and stewed black tea. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, saline and marine-influence, moderate weight, perhaps missing the complexity that Ducru-Beaucaillou delivers in great vintages, so the finish is a bit conservative and correct. If you like classic Saint-Julien, the 2004 will appeal to you and it should give another 15 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. Drinking range: 2022 - 2040 Rating: 92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jul 2022)

One can’t say enough about the efforts Bruno Borie is pouring into this wonderful estate that I have often called the “Lafite Rothschild of St.-Julien.” An undeniable success, the 2004 Ducru boasts sweet aromas of creme de cassis, spring flowers, pain grille, licorice, and road tar. This pure, medium-bodied wine possesses moderately high tannin, superb concentration, good sweetness, and low acidity. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25 years. Rating: 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Jul 2010)