Ducru Beaucaillou

(90% cabernet sauvignon with 10% merlot; 3.62 pH; 95% new oak; 14% alcohol) Deep ruby-red. Lovely perfume of raspberry, blackcurrant and gunflint, made more complex by vanilla and sexy spices. Dense, sweet and rich, with a fine-grained texture to the flavors of cassis and exotic dried herbs. Huge, powerful, solidly structured wine with a firm but harmonious acid spine, impeccable balance and great depth of flavor; as massive as it is, it comes across as precise and light on its feet. Finishes with peppery tannins, excellent length and outstanding freshness. Less than 10,000 cases were made due to the strict selection for the grand vin, and it shows in the high quality of the second and third wines made here. Drink from 2020 to 2050.