2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1x750ml

Vinous 96

Compared to the Second Wine, the 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou clearly displays more new oak on the nose, which is to be expected given that it was entirely aged in new wood. The bouquet is very intense, particularly after 3–4 hours of opening (like many 2018s), offering copious scents of blackberries, blueberry, mint and violet, all while maintaining excellent delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that render the texture velvety-smooth and polished. There is a surfeit of exceedingly pure black fruits laced with cedar and mint bound up in this Saint-Julien. The finish is serene but very persistent. This will be a seductive and sophisticated Ducru-Beaucaillou that deserves several years in bottle. [Neal Martin, 03/08/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2055

Robert Parker 98

Tasted as a barrel sample. the 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a very deep purple-black color. It charges out of the glass with bold creme de cassis, preserved plums and baked blueberries notes with touches of chocolate pie, Christmas pudding and Chinese five spice plus a hint of oolong tea. The full-bodied palate is simply a powerhouse, with super firm, super ripe, grainy tannins, lovely freshness and tons of black fruit preserves flavor layers, finishing very long and very exotic. WOW! [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 08/03/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2060