Château Ducru Beaucaillou, 2eme Cru Classé, St Julien, 2011
2011 represented the smallest yields in the history of Ducru Beaucaillou, just 25hl/ha, so the production is some 30% lower than in 2010. The final blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. In the best of French traditions, Bruno likes to compare his latest vintage to a famous woman - in this case, Nicole Kidman - we decline to comment... At first brooding and introspective, but after some coaxing one finds aromas of black cherries, violets and stones. On the palate there is ample bramble fruit and lots of extract. This has awesome texture and glorious tannins; sexy, energetic and echoing - a splendid Ducru.
critic reviews
The 2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou, 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot, is deep garnet in color. It scoots out of the glass with up-front notes of blackcurrant jelly, Morello cherries, and mulberries, followed by hints of wild sage, cedar chest, and black olives. The medium-bodied palate is lively and refreshing, with a lightly chewy texture and savory finish.
Almost as much tannin as in 2010 in terms of analysis, because this was a dry year, with small berries. Touch of smoked herbs, dry leaf, fennel and liqourice, along with plentiful cassis and bilberry fruit. This still feels self-contained and confident, ready to drink although will soften further over next few years. Harvest September 5 to 25, 100% new oak, Eric Boissenot consultant, the first year of his working without his father Jacques, Virginie Sallette technical director.
The 2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou was an early-picked vintage, 5-18 September, but has the same analysis as the 2009 and 2010 in terms of IPT. Matured in 90% new oak for 18 months, it has a very well defined bouquet with intense black fruit intermingling with dried herbs and liquorice; strangely, the 2011 is not unlike the 2005 in character and also being "not ready". The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, sweet and generous yet with countervailing acidity and a gorgeous, pure and nuanced finish. This is one of the real surprises of this vertical and must rank as one of the best Left Bank wines of the vintage. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château.
product details
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