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
'Spring frosts in April were fortunately avoided thanks to our privileged location next to the Gironde. Budbreak and flowering were early, followed by heavy rains in June. The weather improved in July, and August was hot and dry. September saw welcome rains for the first half followed by dry conditions during the second half, enabling full ripening.' Harvest: 18 September - 30 September. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. 18 months in new French oak.Very dark with black core. Dusty, leafy cassis. Almost a minerally note. But pure-fruited. Juicy, elegant and fine-boned. Lovely freshness. (JH)