One of St Julien’s most iconic and elegant wines with a glorious 23 years of age on it…

Jancis Robinson MW: “Transparent dark garnet. Very firm, classic nose – no obvious sweetness. Cassis and sleek – rather winning and silky. Very fine traditional St-Julien character with great balance. Classic dry, appetising finish and just a very light kick of tannin on the end. A surprising success – my favourite Ducru in this selection too ­– from a distinctly uncelebrated vintage! Drink until 2030.” 17 points

The Wine Advocate (Lisa Perotti-Brown): Medium brick colored, the 1999 Ducru-Beaucaillou needs a little swirling to release the tightly coiled notions of dried cherries, fruitcake and red currant jelly with emerging hints of balsamic, mincemeat pie, menthol, powdered chocolate and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully expressive with seamless freshness lightly lifting a great core of youthful red and black fruits plus fine-grained tannins to support, finishing with lingering savory and spice layers. This well-structured spice-bomb still has a lot of years left! Drink 2020 – 2038.” 93+ points