Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou - Saint-Julien 2018
Price: $298.00
#45 Wine of the Year by www.JamesSuckling.com
| Producer | Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Saint-Julien |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Sku | 07219 |
James Suckling: 99 Points
Aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, new leather and bark follow through to a full body with a dense, deep palate that goes on and on, but is still shy and reserved. Large amount of ultra fine, cashmere-like tannins that are silky, sleek and wonderfully integrated. Extremely long and focused. Needs at least four to five years to start opening. A beautiful wine for the cellar.
Vinous Media: 96 Points
The 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou is surprisingly reticent at this stage, almost shockingly so. I imagine that won't be an issue in time. If anything, I am quite struck by the wine's energy and drive. Dark-fleshed fruit, spice, mint, lavender and new oak build in the glass. From barrel, the Ducru was opulent and sensual, but it appears to be going through a closed phase at the moment. Decanting helps, but I would not be in any rush to drink this. The 2018 is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak.
Wine Spectator: 96-99 Points
Another rock 'em sock 'em St.-Julien here, brimming with nearly exotic blackberry, plum, blueberry and açaí berry reduction notes, bristling with brambly energy and racing through a graphite-edged finish. Shows gorgeous perfume throughout, despite the fairly obvious level of concentration.
