Ducru Beaucaillou 2003

[Comte Flaneur]

Has anybody tried this, or have any thoughts?

My dilemma: favorite estate, least favorite vintage

[aimeedogdogdog]

I tried it when it first came out. My impression is: not as nuanced, classy or mineraled as '95, 96, or '00 (comparatively muddy to the latter 3). I am not sure if it was the vintage or the wine making style changed a bit (I think it's the first year some one new in charge of the wine making.) I felt it was a bit like the '90 in terms of texture and overall impression, plus more dynamic. I had a small glass to taste and didn't have enough time to form a better judgement.

I haven't tried any 2004-2008. Are the wines different than those made before in terms of style?

Werner

[Comte Flaneur]

I tried it when it first came out. My impression is: not as nuanced, classy or mineraled as '95, 96, or '00 (comparatively muddy to the latter 3). I am not sure if it was the vintage or the wine making style changed a bit (I think it's the first year some one new in charge of the wine making.) I felt it was a bit like the '90 in terms of texture and overall impression, plus more dynamic. I had a small glass to taste and didn't have enough time to form a better judgement.

I haven't tried any 2004-2008. Are the wines different than those made before in terms of style?

Werner

Thnaks Werner. I have heard that the wines have become much more extracted lately...this was on sale for $95 at the place I picked up Jim's Lynch, so I took the crass view that a 97 RMP point wine from one of the greatest (most controversial?) vintages is worth a punt.

[Blanquito]

What's your favorite vintage of Ducru, guys?

[DavidG]

1996 and 1982 are my favorites. I haven't had the 2000 or 2005, but I suspect they may give the '96 and '82 a run for the money when they eventually mature. Also haven't had the 2003, so I can't comment on that one either.

[stefan]

1978 has a fabulous nose.

stefan

[Houndsong]

I've only had two, and I'd give the nod to the 1999, which I don't own, over the 1998, which, along with the untasted 2002, I do.

[aimeedogdogdog]

Patrick,

There are a lot of great ones, like '59, '61, '66, '70, '82, '95, '96, '00. But Stefan said it, there are also other classic clarets like '76 and '78, which are delicious. Good bottle condition is the key, under which any vintage before 1980 is worth a shot. The mid- late '80s could be problems because tainted bottles are a lot due to chateau cellar condition. I don't have much experience in the recent vintages.

Werner

[DavidG]

Ah yes, it was Ducru that had the TCA-in-the-cellar-problem, wasn't it? Thanks for the reminder, Werner. Do we know exactly which years to avoid?

[Comte Flaneur]

Conventional wisdom is that it is 1988 through 1990...but I have had good expereinces with the 1988 and 1990...and a bad one with the 1989...and that's why it wasn't on the guest list for Saturday!

At a recent Ducru vertical in London, the 1957, 1967 and 1978 showed particularly well...the 86 showed very well at last year's 86 tasting...of less renowned vintages I also like the 75, 83, 94 and 99.