Ducru Beaucaillou 2015 (750ML)

97 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is provocatively and profoundly scented of chocolate-covered cherries, fresh black currants, crushed blueberries and licorice with touches of cigar box, roses and violets plus hints of black pepper and tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and sultry with tons of seductive layers and firm, wonderfully velvety tannins, it has a very long, multilayered finish." 2/18

95 points Neal Martin: " The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou, a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, has a very refined bouquet with precise blackberry, cedar, crushed flowers and incense that blossom in the glass. This is immediately seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin. This is very refined and sensual, the acidity extremely well judged and lending tension from start to finish. Notes of black fruit, allspice, a touch of graphite and subtle mineral tones surface toward the finish. This is a stunning Ducru Beaucaillou that deserves several years in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2023 - 2050." (02/2018)

"98 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!" 2/18

97 Points, James Suckling: "Aromas of oyster shell, iron and currants. Hints of iodine. Full-bodied, very tight and focused. Love the finish of sandalwood, cinnamon, violets and lavender. Wonderful tannin texture. Linear and driven. Drink in 2022." 2/18

97 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (WS #84 wine of 2018): "Showy, with layers of warmed fig, roasted mesquite, black tea, incense and Turkish coffee notes, followed by waves of lush cassis, blackberry and raspberry confiture flavors. This has a graphite grounding rod, a tarry spine and riveting licorice snap details to keep it driving along. A head-turner for sure. Best from 2025 through 2045." 12/18

Here, black fruits, bitter dark chocolate and inky liquorice abound. The texture is extremely impressive, really punching above the average St-Julien in this vintage. It is gorgeously withheld at the moment, but with so much promise of what lies ahead. It is subtle but hugely persistent on the palate. 100% new oak for 18 months. (JA)

The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wine (there's 5% Merlot) that was brought up in 100% new barrels. It's a classic, elegant, classy 2015 revealing a deep, saturated purple color as well as terrific notes of crème de cassis, smoked earth, lead pencil, and violets. With full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, and a stacked mid-palate, it should start to shine in 6-7 years and keep for three decades.