Château Ducru Beaucaillou, 2ème Cru Classé, St Julien [SHC], 2005

The 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou, 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, is deep garnet in color with a touch of brick. It needs a fair bit of shaking before it erupts with the most spectacular perfume of kirsch, warm cassis, rose oil, and licorice, followed by hints of unsmoked cigars, crushed rocks, and fragrant soil. The medium to full-bodied palate has a firm, grainy texture and compelling tension, beautifully framing the red and black fruit layers, and finishing with a firework display of floral and mineral notes.

DRINKING WINDOW 2022 - 2050

date of review 09/2023

Fully ripe red cherry, cassis and blackberry fruits. with exotic turmeric and clove spice notes. Plenty of supple texture through the palate, with softened tannins and St Julien balance. Higher Merlot content than you would find in the wine today, this is a 2005 with hints of tertiary truffles, saffran and oyster shell, finessed and welcoming. Harvest September 21 to October 6. 100% new oak. Eric and Jacques Boissenot consultants.

DRINKING WINDOW 2023 - 2038

date of review 05/2023

The 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou, tasted a dozen times since en primeur, was picked 21 September to 6 October, matured in 90% new oak for 18 months. It delivers a wall of black fruit on the nose that gradually opens up with aeration, touches of incense and wild mint, cedar coming through with time. But these aromatics remain very backward. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grippy tannins, fine acidity, solid and focused. Tremendously and uncompromisingly backward, this is a seriously fine Ducru-Beaucaillou that is just not yet ready, so go back to the cellar and leave it there for another five years. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2060

date of review 07/2022