Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint Julien, 1985

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

"Christmas pudding, dried cranberries and bouquet garni with nuances of cast iron pan, dusty soil and woodsmoke. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm, chewy backbone and oodles of freshness with a core of dried herbs and stewed tea and a slightly rustic finish."

France

Bordeaux

complex, mature, elegant

Red

12.5

75.0

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Lisa Perrotti-Brown
90/100
The Wine Advocate

"Proprietor Bruno Borie mentioned that this was a late vintage. They started to pick on 30th September, finishing on 11th October. He didn't have exact grape percentages for this year, but he thinks it is probably 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. Pale to medium brick-brown colored, the 1985 Ducru-Beaucaillou slowly unfurls to reveal notes of Christmas pudding, dried cranberries and bouquet garni with nuances of cast iron pan, dusty soil and woodsmoke. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm, chewy backbone and oodles of freshness with a core of dried herbs and stewed tea and a slightly rustic finish."

92/100
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
"For sheer elegance, charm, and finesse, the 1985 Ducru-Beaucaillou has it all. The wine is close to full maturity, yet retains a vibrancy and youthfulness that is unusual for a 1985. The generous flavors are soft, but not flabby. The wine possesses outstanding concentration yet is elegant and refreshing. This is a beautifully knit, harmonious Ducru."