2018 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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As one of a handful of Second Growths in St. Julien, Ducru-Beaucaillou ranks among the region's most highly regarded Chateaux, crafting a top rated Grand Vin that delivers a "big bang for the buck," especially in the top vintages like those featured here. Earning 95+ point ratings and unanimous critical acclaim, this comprehensive selection of outstanding Ducru-Beaucaillou encompasses a range of the Chateau's top rated vintages, from the exceptional 97pt 1982 with 40 years of pristine cellaring to the perfect 100pt 2009 and 2018, all at different stages of their long-lived evolution and at the best prices on the market.

Perched among centuries' old parkland with incomparable views of the Gironde estuary, the majestic, Victorian-style Chateau of Ducru-Beaucaillou has been home to the Borie family for over 60 years, originally named for the abundant quartz stones strewn throughout its vineyards ("beau caillou" translates as "beautiful stones"). Working with esteemed consultant Eric Boisseneot, third generation Bruno Borie has presided over "Super Second" Ducru's spectacular rise in quality, spearheading the transition to sustainable organic viticulture while implementing stricter yields and constructing a modern winemaking facility with the largest cellars in the Medoc. Enjoying a microclimate of moderate temperatures due to their proximity to the Gironde, the vineyards are planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with about one third Merlot on a mix of marl, pebbles and flat stones, forcing the vines to go deep for nutrients while retaining moisture and enhancing even ripening, yielding complex Grand Vins with astonishing longevity.

From the 97pt 1982 declared "one of the all-time great Ducrus" by Robert Parker, to the Wine Spectator Top 100 2015, rated 98pts by Bordeaux expert Jane Anson, summing it up as "great stuff!" to the 100 pt. 2018 that "will go down in the annals of this historic estate" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss, Ducru-Beaucaillou has earned rave reviews from critics across the board, some vintages to enjoy now and some rewarding patient cellaring – all terrific choices for Bordeaux fans, whether putting together a vertical tasting or selecting a few favorite vintages, ready to stash away in original wooden cases.

100WE

99JS #45 Top 100

98JD

98WA

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 this 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.

100 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)

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.

99 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)

#45 - James Suckling Top 100 of 2021

The Grand Vin 2018 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that was harvested at the end of September through October 10 and brought up all in new French oak. This is a gorgeous, incredibly complete, classic expression of this terroir, offering a heavenly nose of crème de cassis, cedarwood, unsmoked tobacco, new leather, spring flowers, chocolate, and a touch of chalky minerality. With full-bodied richness, a monster of a mid-palate, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish, it's one of the most concentrated, impressive wines of the vintage, and might also be one of the longest lived. It actually reminds me of an improved version of the 1996 or a hypothetical mix of the 2010 and 2016. For the tech geeks out there, the IPT checks in at a massive 95 and the pH is 3.7.

98+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, aged 18 months in 100% new barriques. It has a pH of 3.7, 14.5% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 95. Deep purple-black colored, it has a powerful nose of baked black cherries, blackberry preserves and crème de cassis with nuances of menthol, pencil lead, cedar chest and Indian spices, plus fragrant wafts of violets and licorice emerging after a few minutes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with impactful black fruits and exotic spices layers, supported by firm, ripe grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. There is a brightness to the wine—surprising freshness—and yet it remains very rich and hedonic, presenting an extraordinary vinous paradox that will blow away fans of this great estate.

98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$239.88

Compare At: $269.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 5/31/2024. 34 bottles available.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 12

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