Ducru Beaucaillou 2003

One of the most compelling Ducru Beaucaillou’s made in the last quarter century is the 2003 (which is also the first vintage to be packaged in an impressive heavy glass bottle with a special long cork). A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, it is a powerful, tannic, blockbuster effort revealing a liqueur of mineral-like component intermixed with creme de cassis, raspberry, and flower characteristics, and an atypically high 13.5% alcohol. Having firmed up considerably since bottling, it exhibits tremendous definition, weight, and concentration. It is a wine for patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+. A brilliant tour de force!

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. A lot of ripeness coming through on the nose: blackberry, plum, cedar and a touch of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied, sinewy tannins, very focused and delineated, muscular towards the finish with great persistency. This is a classy 2003, great breeding and nuance. Tasted October 2010.

Lots of aromas of roasted fruit, such as blueberries and raisins, and spices. It has full body with plenty of velvety tannins and a long, slightly chewy finish. Needs another two or three years to come together but outstanding now.