| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Ducru Beaucaillou is on top form these days. Bruno Borie has made some very serious wines at Ducru in recent vintages with many vats previously destined for the grand vin now being used for the second or third labels. Bruno's policy is now to only select fruit from the heart of the Ducru vineyard, overlooking the estuary, for the Grand Vin. Ducru is clearly back where it belongs at the top of the super-second league. Replanting of key sites is ongoing in order to further improve the quality here and production levels are about half what they were 20+ years ago.
The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou matured entirely in new oak, as usual. The 100% new wood slightly impedes on the aromatics at the moment, masking some of the attractive blackberry and cassis scents tucked underneath. The palate is medium-bodied and, again, the oak is very vocal at the moment. Quite marine-influenced on the finish, this Ducru-Beaucaillou has impressive sapidity, although the key question is how that wood will assimilate in bottle. Only time will tell. 2030 - 2055
The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is showing well at this stage, unfurling in the glass with a perfumed bouquet of dark berries, flowers, gentian and fresh licorice, interwoven with delicate spicy nuances. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and seamless, it is lively and refined, with somewhat firm tannins leading to a gently grippy finish. This was harvested between September 30 and October 15.
Deep garnet-purple in color. Strides out with classic notes of crushed black currants, fresh black plums, and pencil shavings, plus hints of violets, licorice, and black olives with a touch of menthol. The medium-bodied palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well-knit freshness to support the blackberry flavors and spicy undertones, finishing on a lingering anise note.
86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, to be aged for 18 months, 100% new. pH 3.8, IPT 87.
A gorgeously vivid, lifted nose, with floral aromatics, dark berry and cassis fruits, fleshy but understated, elegant and finessed, squid ink, sandalwood, incense, maintains estate signature and is full of pleasure, 100% new oak for ageing, 3.8 pH. Harvest 23 September to 7 October.
The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky tannins give the 2024 its distinctly mid-weight, lithe personality. Readers will find a gracious Ducru built more on persistence and nervy tension than size or opulence. Blue/black fruits, lavender, cloves, menthol and chocolate open over time. It will be fascinating to see how this ages. 2034 - 2054
