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I tasted the 1996 Ducru Beaucaillou on four separate occasions from bottle in January. The 1996 is long, with a deep mid-palate. It also reveals tannin in the finish. This wine is remarkable. It is muscular, concentrated, and classic. Bottled in late June, 1998, it exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a knock-out nose of minerals, licorice, cassis, and an unmistakable lead pencil smell that I often associate with top vintages of Lafite-Rothschild. It is sweet and full-bodied, yet unbelievably rich with no sense of heaviness or flabbiness. The wine possesses high tannin, but it is extremely ripe, and the sweetness of the black currant, spice-tinged Cabernet Sauvignon fruit is pronounced. This profound, backward Ducru-Beaucaillou is a must purchase. It will be fascinating for readers who own the 1996 to follow the evolution of this exceptional vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035.
Robert Parker Jr
Wine Advocate #122 April 199996
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Another great showing from one of the estate's finest wines of the 1990s. In fact, I think the 1996 will surpass the 1995. It has consistent aromas with the bottle last year: blackberry, smoke, tobacco with that tincture of sandalwood, whilst the palate has a svelte texture that belies the firm tannins engendered by the ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. It just builds and builds in the mouth to a very refined finish that can only leave a smile on your face. Delectable. Tasted November 2011.
Neal Martin
Wine Journal Mar 201293