CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou appears to have gained a little opulence since I last tasted it, just after bottling. Here it is armed with precocious blackberries, bilberry, violet petals and potpourri. Wonderful definition. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte, saturated tannins, superb intensity yet a Ducru-Beaucaillou with linearity and strictness. It is elevated by a saline finish that leaves the tongue tingling afterwards. A very fine Saint-Julien, it needs 4-5 years in the cellar. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the chateau.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Deep purple-black in color, the 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou slowly unfurls to reveal beautifully fragrant notes of warm kirsch, wild blueberries, fresh red and black currants and violets with wafts of underbrush and Earl Grey tea. Medium-bodied, the palate has great freshness and elegance, with very well-played, plush tannins and bags of perfumed fruit, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.
JancisRobinson.com
Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Quite mineral and cool on the nose - there is a leafy edge of pencil shavings against fresh blackcurrant. Vibrant, lively fruit on the palate - a mix of red and black fruit together. The structure is sinewy, promoting more of the leafy, graphite tones. This is chiselled and firm for now, it will require patience. (TP)