2018 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien

Winemaker Notes: Deep, intense, brillant purple-black color. Vivid and attractive. Aromas redolent of black fruits, hint of graphite and violets.Powerful and elegant structure, fleshy, rich, polished tannins, remarkable length risen by a wonderful freshness. A new standard.
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Enthusiast - "Vintage 2018 was generous to the style of Ducru-Beaucaillou. The rich character of wines from this estate is enhanced by the ripeness and concentration of the wine. At the same time it keeps an amazing freshness that comes out of the acidity. This wine will go down in the annals of this historic estate. It is not likely to approach drinkability before 2028. Cellar Selection"


Wine Spectator - "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. "


James Suckling - "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. Try after 2027."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Tasted as a barrel sample. the 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a very deep purple-black color. It charges out of the glass with bold crème 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!"


Wine Enthusiast - "This is a powerful wine that shows big tannins and great concentration that are matched with intense acidity. The result is a magnificent wine with the dense fruit flavor and bold structure that will lend well to aging."


Decanter - "Extremely complex, this is tight and holds on with an initial austerity. The plentiful tannins layer up right through the palate, but they are sandwiched by gorgeous blackberry and cassis fruits. There's an inkiness and a spice box feel here, with notes of dried herbs, black olive tapenade and graphite, all generously present. The longer the wine stays in the glass, the more the flesh of the fruit takes precedence and yet the wine manages to also convey a St-Julien classicism. This has all the elements to age exceptionally well, and to give great pleasure along the way."