CH DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU

The nose displays concentrated blackcurrants with a lift of mint and violets. Late-season heat brought a burst of ripening to the grapes, eliminating the leafy note Cabernet can have; the impact is pure fruit. The palate is dense, brooding and layered, with dark-berried fruits and a savoury undertone of tapenade and coffee grains.

The tannins are firm, grippy and mouthcoating, and will certainly need time to soften, as will the 100% new oak. But the backbone is there for long ageing. A saline bite and note of graphite break through on the long, poised finish.