CHATEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1970 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2ème Grand Cru Classé 1970 is a distinguished wine that exemplifies the quality of Bordeaux's Saint-Julien appellation. Known for its elegance and depth, this vintage showcases a blend predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot. The wine exhibits a deep ruby hue and an enticing bouquet of blackcurrants, plums, and dried cherries, along with earthy notes, cedar, and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied with velvety tannins and flavors of dark fruits, graphite, and toasted oak. Rated 91 points by The Wine Advocate and 90 points by Vinous and Decanter, this vintage represents the terroir and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking, offering an exquisite tasting experience perfect for special occasions.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2ème Grand Cru Classé from the 1970 vintage is a distinguished wine that reflects the exceptional quality and character of the Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux. Renowned for its elegance and depth, this vintage epitomises the artistry of winemaking at Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, a property celebrated for producing some of the finest wines in the Médoc.

The 1970 vintage is often characterised by moderate weather conditions that allowed for slow, even ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with both richness and finesse. The blend predominantly consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot and Petit Verdot, which contribute to the complexity and structure of the wine.

In the glass, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1970 presents a deep ruby hue, indicative of its age and maturity. On the nose, it reveals a captivating bouquet of blackcurrants, plums, and dried cherries, intertwined with earthy notes, cedar, and tobacco, demonstrating the wine’s evolution over decades. Subtle hints of leather and spice add further layers to the aromatic profile, enticing the senses.

The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, showcasing ripe tannins that have softened beautifully with age, imparting a velvety mouthfeel. Flavours of dark fruits linger alongside notes of graphite, toasted oak, and a gentle minerality, leading to a lengthily satisfying finish. The wine's acidity is well-integrated, contributing to a harmonious overall balance.

As a 2ème Grand Cru Classé, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1970 exemplifies the prowess of this esteemed estate and the quality achievable in such a venerable vintage. It is a wine that has not only stood the test of time but continues to offer an exquisite tasting experience for those fortunate enough to encounter it. Perfect for special occasions, this vintage represents a quintessential expression of the terroir and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking. Enjoyment of this wine is best during its drinking window, where it can be appreciated for its depth, complexity, and elegance.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 points
Drink Date 2020 - 2030
Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue Date 13th Aug 2020, Source August 2020 Week 2, The Wine Advocate
"1970 was a generous vintage, and back then, when it was generous, we let it be generous!" Proprietor Bruno Borie informed me during the tasting of this 1970 Ducru-Beaucaillou at the chateau. Medium brown in color with a remaining touch of brick, the nose reveals a wonderfully fragrant perfume of dried figs, sultana cake and baking spices with hints of dusty soil, dried herbs plus a subtle waft of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers bold freshness, laden with dried red berries flavors and mineral-inspired sparks, framed by chewy tannins, finishing spicy.

VINOUS 90 points
Drinking Window 2021 - 2030
From: Where the Heart Is: Ducru-Beaucaillou 1934-2018 (Jul 2022)
The 1970 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a vintage that I tasted regularly about twenty years ago - always a strong performer even if it did not deliver fireworks. At over half a century, it has not lost a bit of vigour, but there are lovely scents of clove, liquorice and a touch of furniture polish combining with the remnant of black fruit. The palate is well defined with fine tannins, crisp acidity, quite harmonious. Quite peppery on the aftertaste, it is a Ducru-Beaucaillou that is entering its dotage after a fine career. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. - By Neal Martin on June 2021

DECANTER 90 points
Tasted by: Yohan Castaing
(at Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, 01 Jun 2021)
Part of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou vertical tasting: 1953-2018
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2022
The Ducru-Beaucaillou 1970 has a classic, elegant, and complex bouquet with notes of black fruits, tobacco, undergrowth, damp cellar, and earth with a hint of liquorice and smoke, followed by a medium-bodied, fresh, fleshy, and vibrant palate. The final is long and elegant with blackcurrant aromas.

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ABOUT CHATEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU
Château Ducru Beaucaillou is a highly regarded winery located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in the 18th century, the estate is classified as a Second Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, reflecting its long-standing reputation for producing exceptional wines.

The vineyard covers approximately 80 hectares and is situated on well-drained gravel soils, which are ideal for growing high-quality grape varieties. Château Ducru Beaucaillou primarily produces red wine, predominantly featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Château Ducru Beaucaillou is known for its powerful, rich, and expressive wines that often exhibit a balance of elegance and complexity. The winemaking process emphasizes traditional techniques, including manual harvesting and meticulous selection of grapes. The wines undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in oak barrels, which contributes to their structure and flavor profile. The estate places a strong emphasis on the quality of the grapes and the expression of the terroir in its wines.

The estate has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years, solidifying its status as one of the top producers in Bordeaux. Notable vintages are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts, often praised for their aging potential and ability to evolve over time in the bottle.

Château Ducru Beaucaillou also has a charming and historic château, which adds to the allure of the estate. Visitors to the estate can experience the beauty of the vineyards and the rich history of the winery, contributing to its reputation not only for outstanding wines but also as a significant player in the Bordeaux wine landscape.