Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2023

Expressive, smoky, floral, dark-fruited, very deep; dense on the palate, lots of drive, not an ounce of fat, top structured, with breed, bite and a very fine length, saline on the finish. Very classic.

Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet, ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, yet rich too, with depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture — definitely grippy and filling, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet feel; you sense the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally not too lean, not strict at all, as many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let-up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish. 7 pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.

Flowers, mint, cocoa, espresso, black cherries, blackberries, plum sauce, and Asian spices create the aromatic perfume. On the palate, the texture is elegant. There is a supple, creamy character to the fruit that is hard to find in 2023. The berries are ripe, clean, and pure, with a racy freshness, which is the key to the vintage. The long, classic, exquisite finish feels refined as it crosses your palate and lingers. The finish holds your attention for close to 50 seconds. Ducru Beaucaillou continues its unstoppable roll of fabulous vintages. Produced from blending 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% Merlot. Drink from 2030-2065.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate rim brightening. Fresh orange zest, ripe heart cherry, blackberry confit, delicate floral notes, inviting bouquet, red berry nuances. Juicy, elegant, red heart cherry, fine tannins, fresh acidity, salty on the finish, lingers well, delicate extract sweetness in the aftertaste, has length and certain ageing potential.

Just love how this feels old school in the most contemporary way - meaning this has so much tannic power and architecture, alongside oyster shell salinity, a lot of palate presence and concentration, just a well defined, fabulous wine that you will be thrilled to sink into after a few more years in bottle. 41hl/h yield, 100% new oak, Bruno Borie owner, harvest September 8 to October 3.

Such depth in this bouquet! From the outset, it shows grandeur and serenity, gradually coming into focus. No single aroma dominates; everything is about harmony, with hints of black berries, a touch of liquorice, notes of graphite, and finally a suggestion of mocha and toast. Carried by silky tannins, the wine has an elegant structure. It unfolds seamlessly in a linear fashion, with precision, freshness and power. The tannins emerge late to set a solid foundation, giving a continuous, focused drive, supported by an acidity that is both structuring and energising. An elegant, vibrant, luscious wine with real stature, able to highlight both its charm and its character. The result is, of course, an exhilarating harmony. An outstanding Ducru Beaucaillou with many decades ahead of it!