Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou 2019

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

VertdeVin

The nose offers a fine concentration and a small racy power. It reveals notes of wild cassis, racy minerality, small notes of small wild berries associated with touches of small crushed red fruits as well as fine hints of pepper, nutmeg and a discreet hint of camphor. The palate is fruity, slightly tight, well-balanced and offers a fine acidulous frame, juiciness, gourmandize as well as tension, suavity, a small concentration, a small freshness and a very fine unctuosity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, juicy/pulpy cassis, small notes of small crushed red berrues associated with fine touches of fresh violet, racy minerality as well as discreet hints of iris, camphor, dark chocolate, a very discreet hint of crushed almond (in the background) and a subtle hint of fresh mild tobacco. Good length. Tannins are well-built. A persistence on notes of dark chocolate and on very fine hints of caramelization.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A newcomer to the Ducru-Beaucaillou stable, the 2019 Le Petit Ducru is a blend of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It has an alcohol of 14.2% and the pH is 3.79. It is set to age for 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with notes of crushed black and red plums, mulberries and black raspberries plus hints of cumin seed, pencil shavings and sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with expressive, ready-for-biz black fruits with a firm frame of chewy tannins and lively acidity, finishing long with some provocative earthy notes coming through.

James Suckling

Such a beautiful red with currants, blackberries and some walnut and stone undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a long finish. Hints of dried citrus. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.

La Revue du Vin de France

The Wine Independent

Wine Enthusiast

A complete, spicy wine, full of acidity balanced by the tannic structure. The wine is dense, with a firm core. This is the junior wine of Ducru-Beaucaillou. Drink from 2025.

Decanter Magazine

Plenty of ripe red-cherry/blackberry fruit adorns the palate with spice notes adding freshness along with some brisk acidity. The third wine of Ducru-Beaucaillou is a great introduction to this St-Julien estate. Aged for 12 months with one-third new oak. The alcohol is robust and there is a certain leafy dryness on the finish. Plump and approachable already, this will provide highly enjoyable drinking over the next 3-4 years.

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou is also Merlot-dominated and includes 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It offers classic Saint-Julien elegance and purity in its darker currant and cherry fruits as well as notes of tobacco, violets, and lead pencil. With medium-bodied richness on the palate, it has wonderful tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It needs air to show at its best and is just a charming, elegant, layered 2019 to enjoy over any time over the coming decade.