A “shocking” vintage. These are the terms used by Bruno-Eugene Borie to describe the 2018 vintage at the prestigiousChateau Ducru-Beaucaillou. 2018 was shocking because of the new standard that it represents, similar to the great vintages of 1945 or 1961 before it, but also because of the emotions, it brings to the tasting.

After a rainy and difficult spring, the beautiful summer settled with plenty of radiant sunshine, which persisted until the date of the harvest. The harvest gave rise to an exceptional vintage. Through a long vegetative cycle, the grapes were able to reach a perfect level of ripeness, presenting a small size, thick skins and beautifully ripe pips.

The Grand Vin of the estate, theChateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2018rewards the work of the technical teams. BlendingCabernet Sauvignon(85%) andMerlot(15%), theChateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2018offers a magnificent expression of the great terroir ofSaint-Julienon the left bank ofBordeaux.

At the tasting, theChateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2018presents an intense, dark red and purple colour. The aromatic bouquet is dazzling, springing from the glass to reveal notes of black fruits, punctuated by delicate floral fragrances, especially violet. Swirling the glass reveals beautifully mineral graphite notes. The palate is sumptuous, captivating with its voluminous texture and presenting great class, along with a perfect structure of refined and polished tannins. The tasty palate is enhanced by juicy fruit and a great freshness. Balanced by crisp acidity, the wine persists for a long time until the finish. A true masterpiece, theChateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2018is in line with the most exceptional vintages, which will undoubtedly mark the history of the estate. A vintage surely made to survive the decades ahead of it.

100 Points –Wine Enthusiast

Vintage 2018 was generous to the style of Ducru-Beaucaillou. The rich character of wines from this estate is enhanced by the ripeness and concentration of this wine. At the same time it keeps an amazing freshness that comes out of the acidity. This wine will go down in the annals of this historic estate. It is not likely to approach drinkability before 2028.