This is a wine with big tannins and big fruit. You can feel the wood rather than taste it, certainly smell it initially before the black currant aromas kick in. Impressive and sumptuous, it has a solid density that layers with the smoky character of the fruit and wood. Rich and complex, it needs to age. Drink from 2025.
95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2015)
Mesmerizing aromas of blackberries, licorice and mint. Wet stones too. Full-bodied and tight with super-refined and polished tannins that are pinpointed and elegant. It caresses your palate. Savory and salty on finish. Electric for the vintage. Better in 2018.
95 points, James Suckling (Feb 2015)
Made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou is deep garnet in color. It comes barreling out of the glass with bold notions of plum preserves, black cherry compote, and warm cassis, followed by hints of cardamom, pencil shavings, and bay leaves. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully savory, with a lively line and firm yet approachable tannins supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing with impressive energy. It is drinking nicely now, but there is no rush to broach it.
94 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Sep 2023)
Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou offers up expressive, exuberant scents of warm kirsch, black raspberries and wild blueberries with hints of sassafras, cedar chest, pencil lead and dried mint plus a waft of dried leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and a fair bit of chew, complementing the youthful black and red fruit layers, finishing on a lingering earthy note.
93 points, Wine Advocate (Aug 2020)
Offers an almost lavish feel, with layers of warmed fig, blackberry paste and raspberry coulis lined with ganache, anise and fruitcake flavors. A rock-solid graphite note lines the finish, showing just the slightest twinge of the vintage's austerity. A very admirable effort. Best from 2018 through 2027.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2015)
A touch of tertiary evolution, the fruit and cedar are dense and integrated but what really stands out is the grilled leather, cigar box and liquorice. A mint and ecuyptus-infused body, with well-paced velvety tannins, chewy and muscular. The finish majors on sweet spices and a medium plus length. 60% new oak, Bruno Borie owner, harvest October 3-10
93 points, Jane Anson (Nov 2022)
With elegant, charming, and fresh notes of blackcurrant, liquorice, black fruits and hints of lavender and green bell pepper, this 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou is remarkably fresh and delicate with an undercurrent of graphite. Penetrating, long, and textured, with an enveloping core of fruit and slightly taut tannins. It's also deliciously juicy, sapid, and tense. Ready to be enjoyed, it will nonetheless improve further over the next 10 years.
93 points, Yohan Castaing, Decanter (May 2021)
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