19 Rene Gabriel
20 % unter einer Normalernte. Ca. 115'000 Flaschen. 90 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Merlot. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Feinfruchtiges Bouquet, rote, reife Pflaumen und viel Kirschennoten, feine Komplexität, fast nobel zurückhaltend. Im Gaumen superelegant, traumhaft balanciert, die wohl massiv vorhandenen Gerbstoffe spürt man fast nicht, lange ausklingend. Ein Violinen-Saint-Julien mit genialen Finessen.
19 Rene Gabriel
20 % unter einer Normalernte. Ca. 115'000 Flaschen. 90 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Merlot. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Feinfruchtiges Bouquet, rote, reife Pflaumen und viel Kirschennoten, feine Komplexität, fast nobel zurückhaltend. Im Gaumen superelegant, traumhaft balanciert, die wohl massiv vorhandenen Gerbstoffe spürt man fast nicht, lange ausklingend. Ein Violinen-Saint-Julien mit genialen Finessen.
94 Wine Spectator
This is rather well-endowed for the vintage, with thickly layered ganache, currant paste, fig sauce and blackberry confiture notes still grappling with one another, while briary grip and dark spice fill out the toast-fueled finish. Very long, showing a level of power that belies the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2028. –JM
94 Wine Spectator
This is rather well-endowed for the vintage, with thickly layered ganache, currant paste, fig sauce and blackberry confiture notes still grappling with one another, while briary grip and dark spice fill out the toast-fueled finish. Very long, showing a level of power that belies the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2028. –JM
93 Vinous
The 2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a focused nose, a melange of red and black fruit, sandalwood, orange rind and humidor, fine delineation, and it coheres in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant, well-defined with taut tannins, gaining more depth towards the finish that demonstrates admirable finesse and poise. This is a lovely Saint-Julien, unashamedly classic in style, and it should give another 20 years of drinking pleasure, probably more. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
93 James Suckling
This shows excellent aromas of crushed berries, minerals and roses. Full body with silky, balanced tannins. Fruity and reserved. Shows wonderful finesse for the Médoc in 2011. Better after 2018.
93 Vinous
The 2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a focused nose, a melange of red and black fruit, sandalwood, orange rind and humidor, fine delineation, and it coheres in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant, well-defined with taut tannins, gaining more depth towards the finish that demonstrates admirable finesse and poise. This is a lovely Saint-Julien, unashamedly classic in style, and it should give another 20 years of drinking pleasure, probably more. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.