2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a vintage that requires more time to settle and decide what it wants to be. The nose needs just a little more cohesion and focus, quite upfront and overtly floral, perhaps more than it needs to be and it just slightly occludes the terroir expression at the moment. The palate is smooth and velvety, with moderate depth and fine acidity. I sometimes find this a little lactic on the finish, as I do here; perhaps I might actually prefer the 2017 tasted alongside which shows more tension on the finish. A fine Ducru-Beaucaillou rather than a truly great one. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 21/07/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2046

Robert Parker 97

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou rocks up with flamboyant baked black plums, creme de cassis, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries scents plus hints of cinnamon stick, black tea and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with black fruit preserves and spicy accents, with a firm, velvety frame and finishing with great length and perfume. Ideally, I’d give it another year to fan out just a bit more, but it is coming around nicely and is already fantastically delicious! [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 31/07/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2057