Ducru Beaucaillou 2001

Somewhat light-bodied for a Ducru, with a 1999-like personality, this blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc is a forward, medium-bodied, pretty effort revealing notes of cranberries, black cherries, cassis, and earth. Full of finesse, but lacking concentration as well as depth, it should be consumed over the next 10-12 years.

The 2001 Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in two-thirds new oak for 12 months, is a vintage that I feel has never quite lived up to the billing given the performances of its peers. Now at 20-years of age, the nose is more evolved than others, attractive though with clove, loam, tomato vine and red berry fruit. I wonder if it needs a little more hang time? The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, a lilting Ducru-Beaucaillou, well balanced but for want of a better expression, it seems to lack ambition. Drinking perfectly now, I don’t think it will repay extended cellaring. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. 2021-2035

Lots of evolution and an almost biscuity nose. Quite light and relatively delicate. A pretty, well balanced wine. Not for the very long term.

A quintessentially elegant effort, the 2001 offers notes of liquified minerals intermixed with raspberries and a hint of vanilla. This medium-bodied, moderately tannic, stylish wine recalls the excellent 1999 as well as the under-rated 1981. It is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.