97
Inside Bordeaux
Jane Anson
-
08 Feb 24
Here we see the potential of 2014 in the right hands, and this stands out from its neighbours in northern Médoc, one to note down and look out for. Silky tannins, a ton of cocoa bean, bitter chocolate and espresso, blueberry and cassis fruits, along with turmeric, liqourice and clove spice. Perfectly-pitched acidity that softens into capuccinno creaminess though the mid palate followed by a juicy signoff. Slow build, just delicious. 100% new oak. Eric Boissenot consultant, Virginie Sallette technical director.
Drinking Date: 2024 - 2045
96
The Wine Independent
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
-
09 Sep 23
A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou is deep garnet in color. It needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of blackcurrant pastilles, baked plums, and tar, leading to hints of licorice, espresso, tapenade, and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is taut and tightly wound with a firm frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy. It seems to be in a closed phase right now. Give it a couple of years to open out and then enjoy it over the following 12-15 years.
Drinking Date: 2025 - 2040
95
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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13 Aug 20
Very deep garnet in color, the 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou springs from the glass, offering vibrant notions of fresh black currants, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of spice box, licorice and fragrant soil plus a waft of lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate bursts with lively, crunchy black fruits, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering spicy note.
Drinking Date: 2020 - 2044
94
Vinous
Neal Martin
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19 Mar 24
The 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a stronger performer than many of its peers in this vintage. Extremely well-defined on the nose, this exudes a sense of classicism, black fruit mixed with loam, autumn leaves and a whiff of the nearby estuary. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit laced with spices, marmalade and cedar, binding together nicely towards the finish, which has a sense of control and impressive length. Excellent, though the bottle tasted blind at Southwold felt a little harder.
Drinking Date: 2024 - 2055
17.5
Jancis Robinson
Julia Harding
-
08 Feb 24
Tasted blind. Garnet with black core. Sweet, ripe blackcurrants. Just a touch charry with a contrast of oak sweetness. Firm, deliciously dry and refined in its tannins. Fresh, harmonious and long and, I estimate, a long life ahead. (JH)
Drinking Date: 2029 - 2040