Tasted blind at the Bordeaux 2012 Southwold tasting. The 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou was broody and stubborn on the nose: the fruit remaining off-stage while earthy, leathery notes take the limelight. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a tart entry, a keen line of acidity here that lends this energy, a sense of frisson. It settles down as it approaches the finish, gaining harmony all the time with a smooth, lightly spiced finish that lingers in the mouth. It needs time but it will repay you. RP
This is so seductive on the nose, with perfumes of violets, blackcurrants, raspberries, and orange peel. Subtle. Ethereal. Full-bodied with such fine tannins and delicacy, with great length and beauty. Sophisticated and refined. Really amazing purity and depth. Great length, too. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. JS
$ 1,720
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru Year of Dragon Set
1 x Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru 1988 1 x Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru 2000 1 x Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru 2012
$ 8,200
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru 2006 (Limited time offer item – other promotion offers and W Rewards are not applicable)
RP
94
WS
95
This classic, backward, tannic St.-Julien is made in the style of the 1996 and 1986. The 2006 Ducru Beaucaillou possesses a dense purple color along with a sweet perfume of graphite, black raspberries, cassis, licorice, and subtle toasty oak. Despite their prominent place in the wine’s structure, the sweetness of the tannins and the full-bodied, muscular style suggest exceptional patience will be required. This is a big, substantial, meaty, masculine wine built for considerable longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. RP
$ 2,520
$ 1,880
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru Year of Horse Set (1990) (Limited time offer item – other promotion offers and W Rewards are not applicable)
RP
91
3 x Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien 2eme Cru 1990 Medium brick-brown in color, the 1990 Ducru-Beaucaillou is quite evolved, offering notions of incense, tree bark, tilled soil and tobacco with nuances of preserved plums, kirsch, tapenade and leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate still possesses a good amount of earth-laced savory fruit with a bit of chew to the texture and a stewed tea finish. RP