2016 Ducru Beaucaillou
By Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
2016 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 2016 vintage from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou stands as a testimony to the unyielding virtuosity of this iconic St-Julien estate. This particular year has birthed a wine that exudes an extraordinary complexity and elegance, capturing the essence of its distinguished terroir with impeccable precision.
A Study in Sophistication: A Venerable Vintage
The 2016 Ducru Beaucaillou manifests a confluence of optimal climatic conditions, which have been expertly translated into the bottle by the commendable savoir-faire at Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou. A beneficial growing season provided the auspicious backdrop for the development of grapes that achieved full phenolic maturity whilst maintaining enticing acidity—a balance devoutly sought but seldom attained.
Decoding the Distinctiveness of 2016
In sampling this exceptional offering, one is greeted with a deep ruby hue, preluding to the sensory journey ahead. The nose is adorned with sophisticated aromas of cassis, ripe blackberries, and a whisper of violet—an olfactory ballet set against a stage of subtle oak integration and graphite nuances. The palate continues the narrative with structured tannins that caress rather than coerce; they provide the framework for a cascade of dark fruit, tobacco leaf, and savoury spice notes. This wine is a harmonious assemblage—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot—that showcases impressive concentration without eschewing fresh vitality.
The finish lingers indefatigably, punctuated by hints of espresso and dark chocolate that bid a graceful adieu. The poise of the 2016 vintage is undeniably poised for astute cellaring potential, inviting investment consideration as confidently as it welcomes immediate degustation.
In the grand tableau of Bordeaux vintages, the 2016 Ducru Beaucaillou carves its niche with regal bearing—a paragon of St-Julien’s providential alchemy in an exceptional year. With time, its layers will unfurl like the pages of an epic tome, and it remains one of the most investable legacies from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou's storied lineage.
Market price (SGD)
$3,248.46
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
102.42
Scores and tasting notes
Offers a scintillating display of roasted apple wood, incense and warm ganache before the core of cassis, plum preserves and raspberry reduction starts to step forward. The finish, loaded with grip but remarkably polished, pulls everything together. A huge, undeniable wine, overt in style.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator (James Molesworth)
Very focused and reserved with a mineral, blackberry, licorice and blackcurrant character. Full and refined. Walking a tightrope between steely tannins and and dark fruit. This is highly intellectual and unique. Great finish. Remake of the extraordinary 2014? Stronger than the 2015, for sure.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Ducru-Beaucaillou delivers a pronounced, enticing nose of baked plums, blueberry preserves, fruitcake and boysenberry with suggestions of lilacs, mocha, hoisin and exotic spices plus a waft of cedar chest. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate has layer upon layer of black fruit preserves and spicy nuances, matched by a very firm, grainy frame, finishing with epic length and depth.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 13 August 2020
Very dark. Racy and sinewy with lots of richness and energy. Smooth and supple and quite sweet – arguably too sweet? – but with masses of tannins buried down there. Blackberry compote mixed with health juice.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com