1985 Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1x750ml

Robert Parker 89

First tasted at Farr Vintners in October 2001 at Farr: moderate intense nose. Shoe-polish, redcurrants, cranberry and wild mint. Well-balanced with good acidity. Ample open red fruits on palate. Not complex. Generous, fleshly finish. A poor bottle at the Ducru vertical in November 2003. A similar hue to the 1986 but the nose is more open-knit with savory notes and dried-blood. But underneath this is a definite stalkiness. The palate is slightly disjointed and out of balance, lacking cohesion with high acidity. The finish is musty. A poor wine considering the vintage. [11/01/2003]

Vinous 86

The 1985 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a vintage that I have not encountered for many years. It marked the start of a troubled period for the estate, and the wine feels neutered on the nose with light black cherries, lavender perhaps, but there is a lack of vigour and sense of purpose. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly sour entry, fine acidity, quite compact with a ferrous, smoky and slightly drying finish. Drink in the near future. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. [Neal Martin, 07/21/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2025