2015 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Description

“The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine’s muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don’t miss it!” (2/2018) 98 pts, Antonio Galloni for Vinous

“Here, black fruits, bitter dark chocolate and inky liquorice abound. The texture is extremely impressive, really punching above the average St-Julien in this vintage. It is gorgeously withheld at the moment, but with so much promise of what lies ahead. It is subtle but hugely persistent on the palate. 100% new oak for 18 months.” (11/2017) 97 pts,  Jane Anson for Decanter

“Aromas of oyster shell, iron and currants. Hints of iodine. Full-bodied, very tight and focused. Love the finish of sandalwood, cinnamon, violets and lavender. Wonderful tannin texture. Linear and driven. Drink in 2022.” (2/2018) 97 pts, James Suckling

“Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is provocatively and profoundly scented of chocolate-covered cherries, fresh black currants, crushed blueberries and licorice with touches of cigar box, roses and violets plus hints of black pepper and tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and sultry with tons of seductive layers and firm, wonderfully velvety tannins, it has a very long, multilayered finish.” (2/2018) 97 pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

“With its 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has super-ripe black-currant flavors encased in firm, smoky tannins and hints of wood. Showing the opulence of the vintage and the style of Saint Julien, it will age for many years. The wine will certainly not be ready before 2026. *Cellar Selection* (4/2018) 97 pts,  Wine Enthusiast

“Showy, with layers of warmed fig, roasted mesquite, black tea, incense and Turkish coffee notes, followed by waves of lush cassis, blackberry and raspberry confiture flavors. This has a graphite grounding rod, a tarry spine and riveting licorice snap details to keep it driving along. A head-turner for sure. Best from 2025 through 2045. *Top 100 Wines of 2018*  (3/2018) 97 pts, Wine Spectator

“The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wine (there’s 5% Merlot) that was brought up in 100% new barrels. It’s a classic, elegant, classy 2015 revealing a deep, saturated purple color as well as terrific notes of crème de cassis, smoked earth, lead pencil, and violets. With full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, and a stacked mid-palate, it should start to shine in 6-7 years and keep for three decades.” (11/2017) 96 pts, Jeb Dunnuck

“Very deep. Lifted and fresh. Very correct and unforced. Very sweet. Only just not too sweet… Transparent. Very expressive. Lively and fresh but a bit sinewy. 17.5/20 points.” (4/2016) Jancis Robinson

“The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou, a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, has a very refined bouquet with precise blackberry, cedar, crushed flowers and incense that blossom in the glass. This is immediately seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin. This is very refined and sensual, the acidity extremely well judged and lending tension from start to finish. Notes of black fruit, allspice, a touch of graphite and subtle mineral tones surface toward the finish. This is a stunning Ducru Beaucaillou that deserves several years in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2023 – 2050.” (02/2018) 95 pts, Neal Martin