1999 Ducru Beaucaillou
By Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
1999 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The turn of the millennium was an intriguing moment for Bordeaux, and the 1999 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou encapsulates this perfectly. With vintages ebbing and flowing in recognition, '99 continues to resonate as a testament to Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou's unwavering finesse, even in less vaunted years.
An Assemblage of Elegance: A Closer Look at 1999
As one assesses the 1999 vintage from this St-Julien titan, what emerges is a portrait not simply of a wine but of a moment in time where expectations were surpassed against climatic odds. This particular year was marked by a relatively cool and wet August followed by a warm September which laid the foundation for a finely structured wine rooted within the classic framework of Bordeaux's Left Bank.
The 1999 Ducru Beaucaillou exhibits a matured poise with an aromatic bouquet that subtly unfurls hints of truffle, leather, and tobacco – a nod to its evolution. The palate presents an enduring structure with softer tannins harmoniously integrated with dark plum and cassis notes. A whisper of graphite minerality complements the medley of savoury essence imparted by its time in oak.
An Investment in Refinement
For the astute wine investor, the 1999 Ducru Beaucaillou stands as an emblem of refinement with promising longevity. It shares the prestige of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou's lineage yet offers unique characteristics that distinguish it from more celebrated vintages. Its graceful maturation journey continues to endear it to collectors who appreciate nuance and poise.
In conclusion, the 1999 Ducru Beaucaillou offers an alluring proposition for both the connoisseur and investor. It is a statement piece within any discerning portfolio; a sterling example of how a seemingly unassuming vintage can evolve into a distinguished gem through meticulous stewardship by Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou – truly, an investment-worthy offering spawned from the heart of Saint-Julien terroir.
Market price (CAD)
$2,410.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
111.54
Scores and tasting notes
Medium brick colored, the 1999 Ducru-Beaucaillou needs a little swirling to release the tightly coiled notions of dried cherries, fruitcake and red currant jelly with emerging hints of balsamic, mincemeat pie, menthol, powdered chocolate and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully expressive with seamless freshness lightly lifting a great core of youthful red and black fruits plus fine-grained tannins to support, finishing with lingering savory and spice layers. This well-structured spice-bomb still has a lot of years left!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 13 August 2020
Served at the Ducru offline in London, the '99 is a Saint Julien that over-achieves in this mediocre growing season. Although it is slightly muffled on the nose at first, its opens up nicely with red-berried fruit, sandalwood, leather, cedar and a touch of spice. Good vigour and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced, gentle grip, almost Burgundian in texture thanks to its lovely, fleshy finish although that does not detract from its structure. This is a lovely, caressing '99 in context of the vintage, one for medium-term drinking. Drink now-2018. Tasted September 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010
The deep purple-colored 1999 Ducru Beaucaillou, which represents 60% of the crop, offers aromas of crushed stones, raspberry liqueur, and black currants. This sweet, pure, and harmonious wine possesses elegance, finesse, and multiple nuances rather than power, concentration, and structure. This is Bordeaux at its finest. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140 April 2002