1993 Ducru Beaucaillou
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Tasting notes
Ducru-Beaucaillou experienced an uncharacteristically shaky period between 1986 and 1990. The winemaking did not suffer, but the inconsistency from bottle to bottle (too many wines exhibited a musty, wet cardboard-like aroma), is history. The construction of a new cellar and replacement of every barrel has guaranteed the conditions necessary to produce trouble free wines. Ducru is on a roll, with fine efforts over recent vintages, including an exceptional 1994, spectacular 1995, and what looks to be an equally profound, super-concentrated 1996. Spicy red and blackcurrant aromas compete with peppery, cedary notes. Sweet, rich, ripe fruit hits the palate in a medium-bodied, soft, pretty style. A tannic finish does not detract from the precocious, flattering personality of this elegant, herbaceous but delicious, medium-bodied, supple Ducru-Beaucaillou. A very good effort for the vintage, it should be drunk over the next 7-10 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Somewhat disappointing for this estate. Decent berry and plum flavors and firm tannins, although a slight tomato character takes away from the overall quality. Drink now.-James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1996
Ducru-Beaucaillou experienced an uncharacteristically shaky period between 1986 and 1990. The winemaking did not suffer, but the inconsistency from bottle to bottle (too many wines exhibited a musty, wet cardboard-like aroma), is history. The construction of a new cellar and replacement of every barrel has guaranteed the conditions necessary to produce trouble free wines. Ducru is on a roll, with fine efforts over recent vintages, including an exceptional 1994, spectacular 1995, and what looks to be an equally profound, super-concentrated 1996. Spicy red and blackcurrant aromas compete with peppery, cedary notes. Sweet, rich, ripe fruit hits the palate in a medium-bodied, soft, pretty style. A tannic finish does not detract from the precocious, flattering personality of this elegant, herbaceous but delicious, medium-bodied, supple Ducru-Beaucaillou. A very good effort for the vintage, it should be drunk over the next 7-10 years. Feb 1997, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Second Growth estate Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou in Saint-Julien is one of the Super Seconds, an elite group of properties producing wines that regularly compete with the finest in the Médoc.