March 14, 2024 - 94-95/100
March 9, 2024 - Classy, and classic, elegant, and refined, I love the purity in the red fruits here in nose, and on the palate. Produced from the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the estate, with just a bit of effort you find its aromatic wealth displaying cherries, blackberries, tobacco leaf, flowers, mint, espresso. and spices. The palate is vibrant, regal, slightly firm, crisp, and energetic. The finish delivers its red berries with their spicy edge, and delicate sprig of mint easily. The wine blends 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2060.
June 21, 2022 - (96-98 vvPunkte) 100% Neuholz. 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot. Die Nase lässt einem gleich die Haare aufstellen, superfein, ein Bilderbuch-Cabernet, pur und rein, mit floralen Noten, Gräsern, ein Hauch von Estragon, mineralisch, tiefgründig. Im Gaumen fast scheu im Auftakt, dann explodiert eine Frucht, sensationell wie sich der Wein aufbaut, top strukturiert, mit markanten, feinkörnigen Tanninen und einer Präzision, die beeindruckt, zieht durch, wird im hinteren Gaumen immer schlanker und taucht im Abgang in ein kühles, dunkles, fruchtiges Aromenmeer. Ausgezeichnet. 2030-2055+ (Verkostet "En Primeur" im April 2022. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou) vvWine.ch
June 11, 2022 - Thinner and less concentrated than usual, a very nice bottle to drink while waiting for the monsters (2018,19,20)
May 20, 2022 - Cigar box, tobacco leaf, wet earth, blackberry, flowers, and black currants fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, polished, soft, and energetic, with a spice, and leafy-tinted finish that leaves you with dark cherries and currants on the backend. There is length, purity, lift, and softness in the finish. This is one of the potential candidates for wine of the vintage. Classic (In a modern way) in style, the wine is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot. This is the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the estate. 12.5% ABV, 3.88 pH, The yields were a scant 25 hectoliters per hectare. Harvest took place September 28 - October 11. Drink from 2026-2055. 95-97
April 27, 2022 - No notes due to 400 wines at EP. The wine is built like a brick sh-it house and while not as concentrated as recent vintages it is still a well built wine with lots to offer. While I am a big Ducru fan, my purchase will largely depend on the release price (was supposed to be last week but was delayed). This chateau has been incredible in recent vintages and well priced for its quality and complexity. Purchase TBD based on price.
April 26, 2022 - En-Primeur campaign for the 2021 vintage; 4/25/2022-4/29/2022 (Bordeaux): Medium minus intensity aromas show violets, a little toast with an alcohol prickle and black hued fruits. With agitation, and a little time, the fruit becomes more blackcurrant dominant with a leafy backdrop. In the mouth it’s juicy, wet with medium plus intensity drying, chalky, chewy tannins. The fruit proves a little greener on the palate. I must confess based on the vintage reports I’d read this was probably the kind of wine that I was expecting. It’s awkward and gangly. Not for me