98
Jane Anson - Decanter
A gorgeously silky, juicy and balanced glass of wine, this combines elegant richness of sweet cocoa and blackberry, with tons of power and a feeling of holding itself in check. This is signature St Julien, concentrated yet delicate, just an utterly lovely wine that has good acidity, with tannins that have melted into the rest of the structure and fruit that is still absolutely in control, followed by a saline edge to the finish. There's a long road ahead still, but this is a standout Ducru.
97 Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Ducru Beaucaillou is a 10,000-case blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot (they used to produce 18,000-20,000 cases). It is an exceptionally powerful wine with a dense purple color, superb intensity, and a beautiful, sweet nose of spring flowers, raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied with fabulous concentration, exceptionally high tannin, good acidity, and massive layers of richness that build incrementally on the palate, this monumental effort is more structured than their outstanding 2003. It may be the finest wine produced at this estate since the 1982 and 1961 Ducrus. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050.
97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet colored, the 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou needs a little coaxing before slipping sensuously out of the glass with the most alluring perfume of red roses, kirsch, star anise, cardamom and fragrant earth over a core of blackcurrant pastilles, blackberry preserves and warm plums plus a touch of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderfully taut, tightly knit frame of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness supporting the densely packed fruit, finishing long and perfumed.
97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Independent
The 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou is composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot. Deep garnet-brick in color, it bursts with remarkably pure red and black fruit preserves and stewed plums notes, followed by suggestions of lavender, chocolate box, and sandalwood, plus a waft of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house. Featuring firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, it is jam-packed with youthful black fruit layers, finishing long and energetic. For my own taste, I love drinking this now - vibrant, expressive, and maintaining tons of bright, spritely fruit. However, those who prefer more evolved, tertiary spice, earth, and savory flavors may want to cellar this for another 5-10 years. Either way, it should give a lot of pleasure to 2050+.
95 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
A nice, complex wine with notes of flowers, berries and leather in the nose. Full-bodied, with pure fruit that turns from light raspberry to cherry jam. This is balanced and silky, a beautiful harmony. Give this some time if you can.
