1997 Ducru Beaucaillou
By Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
1997 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux
Embarking upon a review of the 1997 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou presents an opportunity to delve into a vintage that speaks eloquently of its terroir amidst the challenges of an erratic climatic year in Bordeaux. This classic Medoc estate, with its deep gravel soils overlooking the Gironde, has always held a dignified place in the annals of fine wine investment.
Distinguished Vintage Under Scrutiny
In an era that witnessed this cadre of Bordeaux estates grapple with uneven weather patterns, the 1997 Ducru Beaucaillou emerged as a testament to resilient winemaking. With attentive viticulture and timely harvesting before the onset of October rains, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou crafted a wine that amalgamates vigour with delicacy, infusing every cluster with exacting precision.
The season's moderate temperatures are reflected in the nuanced palate of the 1997 vintage, which eschews overt power for sophistication and balance. On sampling, it unveils layers of cassis and earthy cedar, gracefully intertwined with supple tannins that suggest maturity without forsaking vitality—a harmonious composition hinting at the hard-fought triumph over the whimsy of nature that year.
A Distinct Profile Amidst Classic Aesthetics
This claret uncovers subtle variations distinct from its brethren; a lighter touch graces its fruit expression while brimming with tertiary notes of tobacco and dried herbs—mercurial accents dovetailing with a persistence that beckons contemplation. Indeed, these very attributes render it a paragon amongst peers mired in mediocrity.
Today's prospective pioneer in St-Julien wines would find in this vintage's evolution—an enviable poise—it positions itself as an intriguing prospect for investors considering diversity and graceful ageing within their portfolios. With bottles now nestling into their plateau of maturity, investing now allows connoisseurs to savour or hold as they gauge its trajectory on the secondary market.
Accomplished and articulate, the 1997 Ducru Beaucaillou offers an engaging narrative for both oenophiles and investors. A wine redolent with St-Julien's finesse—this is one to ponder over as both a hedonistic pleasure and a discerning investment.
Market price (USD)
$1,510.00
12x75cl
Highest score
87
POP score
175.71
Scores and tasting notes
A classy, complex bouquet of lead pencil, mineral, earth, cassis, and flowers jumps from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-colored 1997. Evolved and elegant, with noticeable tannin, it exhibits both breed and class as well as moderate weight, excellent depth, purity, and symmetry. Enjoy it now and over the next 10-12 years ... at the minimum.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 20 April 2000
First tasted blind for Wine magazine in April 2002 against 1997 Super-Seconds, where it was very exotic and almost Super-Tuscan! Again at the Bordeaux 97 seminar where the Merlot seemed to be driving things, sacrificing structure for short-term sweetness and accessibility. There is nothing wrong with that. A complete wine with a tinge of anis on the finish. One of my favorites of the tasting. Again one month later: first signs of aging on the rim. Slightly more lifted and open-knit on the nose than the 98 but with less complexity and power. A whiff of gun smoke. Palate is more concentrated than other 97's although compared to the 98 it shows its lesser breed. High acidity on the finish with lacks a little oomph. Drinking over the next 5 years. Tasted November 2003.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal