Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, aged 18 months in 100% new barriques. It has a pH of 3.7, 14.5% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 95. Deep purple-black colored, it has a powerful nose of baked black cherries, blackberry preserves and crème de cassis with nuances of menthol, pencil lead, cedar chest and Indian spices, plus fragrant wafts of violets and licorice emerging after a few minutes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with impactful black fruits and exotic spices layers, supported by firm, ripe grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. There is a brightness to the wine—surprising freshness—and yet it remains very rich and hedonic, presenting an extraordinary vinous paradox that will blow away fans of this great estate.

James Suckling

Aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, new leather and bark follow through to a full body with a dense, deep palate that goes on and on, but is still shy and reserved. Large amount of ultra fine, cashmere-like tannins that are silky, sleek and wonderfully integrated. Extremely long and focused. Needs at least four to five years to start opening. A beautiful wine for the cellar. Try after 2027.

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

VertdeVin

The nose is elegant, beautifully delicate, full of control/subtility and offers a beautiful finesse of the grain and deepness. It reveals notes of fleshy blackberry, crushed strawberry and small notes of pulpy/juicy blueberry associated with touches of fleshy raspberry, sweet spices, caramelization, liquorice stick as well as fine hints of lilac, a hint of exotic spices and a very discreet hint of pepper. The palate is elegant, beautifully delicate, full of finesse/like a silky square, full of delicacy and offers juiciness, complexity, a beautiful grain, a fine powdered side, a fine acidulous frame, silkiness and fat (full of finesse). On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, pulpy raspberry and small notes of pulpy/juicy plum associated with touches of blackberry, small pulpy/juicy red fruits, hints of tonka bean, caramelization, toasted, tea, sugared mild tobacco, cardamom and an imperceptible hint of zan. Tannins are precise, elegant, fine, delicate and structuring. Good length. A beautiful persistence.

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Wine Enthusiast

Vintage 2018 was generous to the style of Ducru-Beaucaillou. The rich character of this wine is enhanced by the ripeness and concentration of the vintage, yet at the same time it keeps an amazing freshness. This will go down in the annals of this historic estate. It is not likely to approach drinkability before 2028.