1983 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
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Tasting notes
Firm colour. Very evolved rim. Light, sweet nose that smells as though it’s from another, earlier era. Gentle and round. A very little dry tannin on the end. Not dramatically concentrated but a very nice drink. Not that long but lovely now. Light candied-violets sensation. Hint of tannins on the end. But it faded in the glass with time. (JR)
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1983 Ducru-Beaucaillou just precedes their difficult period in the latter half of the decade when they suffered an infection in one of their storage houses. This is an impressive follow-up to the excellent 1982. It is very perfumed on the nose, floral with blackberry, mint, peony and melted tar mixed with freshly-rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, a solid Ducru-Beaucaillou with an insistent grip. A little spicier towards the finish with impressive purity, this does not seem inclined to reach the end of its drinking pleasure. One of the picks from the Left Bank in this vintage. Tasted blind at Olivier Bernard's "3" dinner at Domaine de Chevalier.
In decline, the 1983 Ducru-Beaucaillou is showing notes of asphalt, earth, compost, and peppery, herb-tinged black fruits. The aromas in the attack exhibit good complexity, but then the wine becomes attenuated, even desiccated in the finish. The wine is medium-bodied and needs to be drunk up. Anticipated maturity: Now-2006. Last tasted, 5/02.
Big and intense aromas of tar and black licorice. a full body with firm tannins that lacks a bit of charm at the moment. Needs time? Better after 1996.--The Bordeaux 50. -James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1994
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.