1970 Ducru Beaucaillou

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.

"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.