2012 Ducru Beaucaillou
By Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
2012 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 2012 vintage was one marked by a formidable set of challenges for Bordeaux winemakers, yielding wines of unique character that are now emerging as investment-worthy choices for the discerning collector. In this milieu, the 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou stands as a testament to the resilience and masterful craftsmanship inherent at this esteemed St-Julien estate.
A Vintage Defined by Patience and Precision
The climatic dalliances of 2012—with its wet spring and hesitant start to summer, followed by a salvation of warm late-summer days—have sculpted this vintage into a remarkable narrative of balance and finesse. The responsive vineyard management and exacting selection process at Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou coaxed from these grapes an exquisite tension between ripeness and structure.
The Connoisseur's Palette: Complexity within the Glass
Now in its first decade, the 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou articulates the voice of its vintage with harmonious poise. A bouquet brimming with dark cherries, cigar box, and subtle floral hints sets the stage for an intriguing sipping experience. On the palate, it unfolds with layered flavours—the dark fruit core is laced with graphite nuances and a savoury touch of cassis that resonates well into its polished tannins.
The judicious use of oak is unmistakable, imparting a delicate smoky whisper that complements rather than overwhelms. With substantial ageing potential still ahead, this vintage embodies both the immediate pleasure for today's table and the promise of crescendoing elegance over time.
Investment Perspective: Astute Holdings and Cellar Potential
For fine wine investors looking towards Bordeaux for exemplars of elegance coupled with growth potential, the 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou serves as an alluring proposition. Its deft handling of a demanding year underscores its credentials as a steadfast addition to any portfolio. Astute collectors will recognise in this dignified pour not just the liquid lore of Bordeaux but an appreciable asset in years to come.
In summary, the 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou captures an essence that is uniquely attributed to its vintage's adversity turned triumph. Its poised evolution speaks volumes on cellar longevity, making it a savvy acquisition for both connoisseurs and investors alike.
Current market price
$2,370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
109.23
Scores and tasting notes
A very clean and pretty Ducru with fine tannins and a mineral floral character. Full body, yet racy and delicious. Pure and very elegant. Juicy and enticing.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 13 August 2020
The Grand Vin is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, delivering 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.68 (IPT of 70.) The Merlot was picked between 3rd and 5th October and the Cabernet Sauvignon between 6th and 10th October. It is being aged in 95% new oak for 18 months. It has a very pure bouquet with small black cherries, blackcurrant with a pleasing mineral component and fine delineation. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins. It is not a powerful Ducru but there is good degree of finesse and freshness thanks to the earlier picked grapes, plus there is a pleasant spice/black pepper note right on the finish. This is one of the finest Saint Julien wines. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
The color is a healthy deep ruby/purple and the wine smells beautiful, exhibiting lots of floral, creme de cassis, licorice and graphite notes. Medium-bodied but slightly deficient in the mid-palate at present, it picks up speed and finishes with serious authority and power. This 2012 should be outstanding, but it is difficult to favorably compare the 2012 to the prodigious wines produced at Ducru in 2009 and 2010. The 2012 will require 4-6 years of cellaring and should drink well for 15-20 years. The charismatic Bruno Borie has produced a 2012 Ducru Beaucaillou made from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot (about 50% of the total production). The harvest began right after the deluge that occurred the weekend of October 7, 8 and 9. A lot of dry tannins were present the day I tasted this wine, but I think they will soften and become manageable as the wine continues its upbringing in barrel for another 12-14 months.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206