1971 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
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Tasting notes
The 1971 Ducru-Beaucaillou came from magnum since Bruno Borie said there were no bottles left at the château. It is one of the few Left Bank wines from my birth year I have never tasted. Deep in colour, it shows little ageing on the rim. The nose displays red berry fruit, a touch of chlorine (swimming pool) and dried herbs, simple but not green. The palate is medium-bodied with a sharp, balsamic-tinged entry, missing a bit of depth, very piquant towards the finish. This is a decent 1971; although given format and provenance, I would be cautious about bottles. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
For whatever reason, the 1971 vintage for Jean-Eugene Borie's Ducru-Beaucaillou was not as good as it should have been. Now fully mature, the bouquet exhibits light intensity, and cedary, vanillin aromas. The flavors are satisfying, but the coarse texture and astringent tannins are cause for concern. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 10/87.
For whatever reason, the 1971 vintage for Jean-Eugene Borie's Ducru-Beaucaillou was not as good as it should have been. Now fully mature, the bouquet exhibits light intensity, and cedary, vanillin aromas. The flavors are satisfying, but the coarse texture and astringent tannins are cause for concern. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 10/87. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Second Growth estate Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou in Saint-Julien is one of the Super Seconds, an elite group of properties producing wines that regularly compete with the finest in the Médoc.