2010 Ducru Beaucaillou
By Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
2010 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux has been heralded for its structured, intense wines, and the 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is no exception. The estate, firmly perched on the velveteen banks of the Gironde estuary in the hallowed St-Julien appellation, is fabled for marrying elegance with longevity, a feat impeccably embodied by their 2010 release.
Vintage Virtuosity: A Bastion of Bordeaux Excellence
Addressing first the climatic ballet that lead to such an esteemed vintage; 2010 was marked by a harmonious interplay between the thrumming heat requisite for concentrated berries and the blissful coolness at night bestowing a lively acidity upon the fruit. This equilibrium sculpted a wine defined by both muscle and intellect, an assemblage predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented adroitly by Merlot.
An Investment-Worthy Contender
A wise investment for connoisseurs and investors alike, the 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou offers unparalleled depth and complexity. With an enigmatic bouquet that unfurls whispers of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings and smoky undertones, it is a wine that intrigues from the first olfactory greeting. On the palate, there's an orchestration of dense blackberry and plum notes against a backdrop of expertly integrated oak, concluding in a finish that is admirably persistent.
The precise tannic structure suggests a trajectory of exceptional ageing potential, a compelling facet for those looking to broaden their portfolio with wines exhibiting superb development over time. Moreover, their performance in bottle thus far indicates that those fortuitous enough to own this exquisite specimen are in possession of a grand chapter in Bordeaux's oenological narrative.
Summation of Splendour
In summary, the medley of invigorating vivacity and disciplined power renders the 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou one of the most notable expressions of St-Julien Terroir and an astute addition to any discerning wine investor's assortment. As it continues to unfold its multifaceted character with each passing year, it remains an articulate testament to a vintage shaped by nature's most serendipitous conditions.
Market price (USD)
$2,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
103
Scores and tasting notes
The nose is phenomenal with perfect aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon with currant bush, blackberries and minerals. A pure expression of Cab. The palate is perfect with a full body, but has perfectly integrated tannins with a texture like the finest cashmere. It's strong but noble with perfect form and beauty. All in harmony. A fabulous wine that everyone who loves Bordeaux should have a bottle or case of. Better in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
Very deep garnet in color, the 2010 Ducru-Beaucaillou is just slightly closed to begin, featuring subtle wafts of baked plums, espresso and bay leaves before kicking it up a notch with expressive notes of blackcurrant cordial, chargrilled meats, woodsmoke and crushed rocks plus a tantalizing touch of truffles. Full-bodied, concentrated and oh-so-decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the tightly wound flavor layers, finishing with epic length and depth.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 13 August 2020
The Ducru-Beaucaillou 2010 has a marvellous, intense bouquet that is more cerebral than the 2009, which served everything on a plate and invited you to delve in. It is extremely well defined with blackcurrant, cedar, wild heather and cassis bringing up the rear. It is very composed and focused, unwinding over three or four minutes of aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe and velvety tannins that lend it a gorgeous mouthfeel. To reiterate, this Ducru Beaucaillou really benefits from aeration and this bottle was decanted upon my request, but even so, it is a well-behaved wine that politely refuses to fan out on the disciplined finish. This will be a long-lived Ducru – there is a dizzy sense of weight and persistency with a long aftertaste. Bruno analogises his 2010 to Charlize Theron, in which case, it deserves an Oscar. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013
With loads of minerality, a terrific opaque purple color, and slightly more structure and tannin than either Poyferre or St.-Pierre (and that's saying something), this is a blockbuster, fabulous Ducru Beaucaillou that should be at its best a good decade from now and last 40-50 years. The proprietor is not alone in thinking this is the finest Ducru Beaucaillou since the 1961. The classic wet rock, creme de cassis, subtle oak and gravelly stoniness of the vineyard come through in this spectacular, full-bodied, gorgeously pure and intense effort. This is wine for the ages that should be forgotten for at least a decade. Proprietor Bruno Borie thinks this wine is as superb as their 2009. Slightly more structured and less flamboyant than its older sibling, it is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot from the very best parcels of the vineyard. This wine tips the scales at 14% natural alcohol but has a normal pH of 3.6, which is one of the characteristics of this vintage (high alcohol, normal pH), which thus accounts for the freshness and precision found in most 2010s.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011