2024 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2. Cru Classé

James Suckling - 96-97

Excellent depth with very good concentration. Lots of dusty, small-grained tannins. Densely packed, with nervy minerals, blackberries, dark chocolate, violets and cassis. Full-bodied and very fresh, with a lengthy finish. Structured and tightly framed. Shows good potential. 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot.

Vinous - 94-96

The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky tannins give the 2024 its distinctly mid-weight, lithe personality. Readers will find a gracious Ducru built more on persistence and nervy tension than size or opulence. Blue/black fruits, lavender, cloves, menthol and chocolate open over time. It will be fascinating to see how this ages.

Decanter - 95

Lovely aromatics on the nose, deep vivid purple. Floral scents and lots of Cabernet markers, dried mint, clove, aniseed and blackcurrants. Cool and crunchy straight away, this has a gorgeous smooth texture with ripe and concentrated fruit. I like this, it feels restrained and not overdone with a silky fruit profile and firm but fine tannins. There's a softness to this and a long length with a push of flavour. It has a deep, dark fruit aspect - not too sharp or sour, balanced in terms of acidity and fruit with wet stones, graphite and liquorice on the finish. Elegant and enjoyable. 3.8pH.