2011 Ducru Beaucaillou
By Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
2011 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
Charting the nuanced evolution of fine wines from Bordeaux's storied terroirs, I find the 2011 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou to be a testament to the resilience and adaptability of an esteemed estate. Amidst a challenging season that put vintners' acumen to the test, this vintage emerged with a character shaped by both adversity and expertise.
An Investment-grade Vintage Reflecting The Spirit of St-Julien
The year 2011 brought contrasts in climatic conditions, where a promising start was somewhat curtailed by a less favourable close to the growing season. Yet, it is such vintages that reveal a chateau's pedigree. The mettle of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou’s winemaking shone through as they mitigated capricious weather patterns to produce a wine remarkable for its balance and early approachability.
Profiling the Unique 2011 Palette
Tasting the 2011 offering reveals layers that are intricately woven together—dark berries and cassis provide a core of fruit that is both ripe and inviting. Hints of tobacco leaf and graphite edge whisper of classic St-Julien minerality while maintaining an opulent profile. Tannins, articulate but softened, suggest a relatively prompt drinking window compared to more tannic years, making this vintage an attractive option for both connoisseurs and investors seeking earlier returns on their investments.
The oak influence plays as one would hope—supportive but not domineering—allowing the terroir-driven complexity to resonate harmoniously on the palate. In essence, it captures the propensity of Bordeaux blends from this part of St-Julien to present polished elegance combined with confident structure.
In conclusion, the 2011 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou stands as an emblem of masterly craft shaped under challenging conditions—a collectable that reflects the commitment to quality one expects from this storied producer. Navigating through Bordeaux's unpredictable vintages can often lead one down paths less trodden, and it is here we find hidden gems like the 2011 Ducru Beaucaillou—a true testament to the alchemy of winemaking meeting steadfast resolve.
Market price (USD)
$1,600.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
100.77
Scores and tasting notes
This shows excellent aromas of crushed berries, minerals and roses. Full body with silky, balanced tannins. Fruity and reserved. Shows wonderful finesse for the Médoc in 2011. Better after 2018.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014
Deep garnet colored, the 2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou features fragrant notes of underbrush, tilled soil, tree bark and fungi over a core of red currant jelly, preserved plums, cassis and mulberries. Medium-bodied, elegant, refreshing and with a sturdy, grainy texture, it offers just enough black fruit and earthy layers in the mouth and a savory finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 13 August 2020
The Grand Vin is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that is being aged in 95% new oak. It has a broody, introspective bouquet compared to the 2009 and 2010 as one would expect, although it is well defined with fine minerality, a seam of dried herbs, a touch of rosemary and thyme underneath a patina of black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, citric entry. There is a slight hardness to the tannins although that will soften in time, although it is still struck through with a tensile streak. The finish has a firm tannic backbone, hints of soy and a saline touch towards the finish. This is an intriguing Ducru that should repay extended cellaring. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
The 2011 Ducru Beaucaillou (which normally represents 1/3 to ½ of the entire crop) possesses a dense ruby/purple color along with a beautiful nose of sweet creme de cassis, crushed rock and spring flower aromas. This rich, medium to full-bodied St.-Julien is among the most concentrated wines of the Medoc. Moderate tannin is sweet and well-integrated. This beauty will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring and keep for two decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212