1979 Ducru Beaucaillou
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Tasting notes
The 1979 Ducru-Beaucaillou, a vintage that I have not encountered before, has a light and innocuous bouquet, mint-tinged black fruit, quite herbal but actually better than some more revered vintages of the Eighties. The palate is medium-bodied with a herbal entry, moderate weight, rustic but showing less dryness on the finish that expected. It’s an old school Claret through and through, but if you do not have lofty expectations, this just about passes muster. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Ducru has produced so many exceptional wines in the last several decades that when the chateau does not produce a wine that is among the top dozen or so best wines of the Medoc, I am quite surprised. This offering is a good, but not great Ducru. Medium ruby in color, and noticeably lighter in style than previous efforts, this moderately intense, soft, pleasant wine should evolve quickly. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 4/91.
Ducru has produced so many exceptional wines in the last several decades that when the chateau does not produce a wine that is among the top dozen or so best wines of the Medoc, I am quite surprised. This offering is a good, but not great Ducru. Medium ruby in color, and noticeably lighter in style than previous efforts, this moderately intense, soft, pleasant wine should evolve quickly. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 4/91. Jan 1998, 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.