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2012 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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As one of a handful of Second Growths in St. Julien, Ducru-Beaucaillou ranks among the region's most highly regarded Chateaux, crafting a top rated Grand Vin that delivers a "big bang for the buck," especially in the top vintages like those featured here. Earning 95+ point ratings and unanimous critical acclaim, this comprehensive selection of outstanding Ducru-Beaucaillou encompasses a range of the Chateau's top rated vintages, from the exceptional 97pt 1982 with 40 years of pristine cellaring to the perfect 100pt 2009 and 2018, all at different stages of their long-lived evolution and at the best prices on the market.

Perched among centuries' old parkland with incomparable views of the Gironde estuary, the majestic, Victorian-style Chateau of Ducru-Beaucaillou has been home to the Borie family for over 60 years, originally named for the abundant quartz stones strewn throughout its vineyards ("beau caillou" translates as "beautiful stones"). Working with esteemed consultant Eric Boisseneot, third generation Bruno Borie has presided over "Super Second" Ducru's spectacular rise in quality, spearheading the transition to sustainable organic viticulture while implementing stricter yields and constructing a modern winemaking facility with the largest cellars in the Medoc. Enjoying a microclimate of moderate temperatures due to their proximity to the Gironde, the vineyards are planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with about one third Merlot on a mix of marl, pebbles and flat stones, forcing the vines to go deep for nutrients while retaining moisture and enhancing even ripening, yielding complex Grand Vins with astonishing longevity.

From the 97pt 1982 declared "one of the all-time great Ducrus" by Robert Parker, to the Wine Spectator Top 100 2015, rated 98pts by Bordeaux expert Jane Anson, summing it up as "great stuff!" to the 100 pt. 2018 that "will go down in the annals of this historic estate" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss, Ducru-Beaucaillou has earned rave reviews from critics across the board, some vintages to enjoy now and some rewarding patient cellaring – all terrific choices for Bordeaux fans, whether putting together a vertical tasting or selecting a few favorite vintages, ready to stash away in original wooden cases.

95WE
95JS
94WI
93WA
93WS
93JA
93D

This is a wine with big tannins and big fruit. You can feel the wood rather than taste it, certainly smell it initially before the black currant aromas kick in. Impressive and sumptuous, it has a solid density that layers with the smoky character of the fruit and wood. Rich and complex, it needs to age. Drink from 2025.

95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2015)

Mesmerizing aromas of blackberries, licorice and mint. Wet stones too. Full-bodied and tight with super-refined and polished tannins that are pinpointed and elegant. It caresses your palate. Savory and salty on finish. Electric for the vintage. Better in 2018.

95 points, James Suckling (Feb 2015)

Made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou is deep garnet in color. It comes barreling out of the glass with bold notions of plum preserves, black cherry compote, and warm cassis, followed by hints of cardamom, pencil shavings, and bay leaves. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully savory, with a lively line and firm yet approachable tannins supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing with impressive energy. It is drinking nicely now, but there is no rush to broach it.

94 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Sep 2023)

Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou offers up expressive, exuberant scents of warm kirsch, black raspberries and wild blueberries with hints of sassafras, cedar chest, pencil lead and dried mint plus a waft of dried leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and a fair bit of chew, complementing the youthful black and red fruit layers, finishing on a lingering earthy note.

93 points, Wine Advocate (Aug 2020)

Offers an almost lavish feel, with layers of warmed fig, blackberry paste and raspberry coulis lined with ganache, anise and fruitcake flavors. A rock-solid graphite note lines the finish, showing just the slightest twinge of the vintage's austerity. A very admirable effort. Best from 2018 through 2027.

93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2015)

A touch of tertiary evolution, the fruit and cedar are dense and integrated but what really stands out is the grilled leather, cigar box and liquorice. A mint and ecuyptus-infused body, with well-paced velvety tannins, chewy and muscular. The finish majors on sweet spices and a medium plus length. 60% new oak, Bruno Borie owner, harvest October 3-10

93 points, Jane Anson (Nov 2022)

With elegant, charming, and fresh notes of blackcurrant, liquorice, black fruits and hints of lavender and green bell pepper, this 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou is remarkably fresh and delicate with an undercurrent of graphite. Penetrating, long, and textured, with an enveloping core of fruit and slightly taut tannins. It's also deliciously juicy, sapid, and tense. Ready to be enjoyed, it will nonetheless improve further over the next 10 years.

93 points, Yohan Castaing, Decanter (May 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.00%
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$214.88
Compare At: $249.99
12 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.
Available in Original Wood Case of 12
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