2005 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Description

98    Jane Anson for Decanter
“A gorgeously silky, juicy and balanced glass of wine, this combines elegant richness of sweet cocoa and blackberry, with tons of power and a feeling of holding itself in check. This is signature St Julien, concentrated yet delicate, just an utterly lovely wine that has good acidity, with tannins that have melted into the rest of the structure and fruit that is still absolutely in control, followed by a saline edge to the finish. There’s a long road ahead still, but this is a standout Ducru.” (9/2019)

97    Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet colored, the 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou needs a little coaxing before slipping sensuously out of the glass with the most alluring perfume of red roses, kirsch, star anise, cardamom and fragrant earth over a core of blackcurrant pastilles, blackberry preserves and warm plums plus a touch of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderfully taut, tightly knit frame of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness supporting the densely packed fruit, finishing long and perfumed.” (8/2020)

96    James Molesworth for Wine Spectator
“This offers dreamy aromas of singed mesquite and warm fruitcake that meld into a lush swath of mulled currant, fig and boysenberry fruit flavors. Black tea and incense notes skitter throughout, with a mouthwatering iron edge buried deeply.” (12/2017)

95    James Suckling
“A nice, complex wine with notes of flowers, berries and leather in the nose. Full-bodied, with pure fruit that turns from light raspberry to cherry jam. This is balanced and silky, a beautiful harmony.” (7/2011)

95    Neal Martin for Vinous
“Tasted at Farr’s Ducru-Beaucaillou dinner at the Ledbury. Consistent notes: this is a fantastic Saint Julien that is built for the long haul. The bouquet is tightly coiled with ebullient dark fruits, sandalwood, macerated black cherries and a hint of vanilla emanating from the unresolved new oak. The palate is full-bodied with sinewy tannins, wonderful harmony with the same ethereal sense of symmetry as the 2000.” (11/2011)