Ducru Beaucaillou - Saint-Julien 1982

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2009

At a charity dinner in Charleston, SC, the 1982 Ducru Beaucaillou from my cellar was the only corked bottle out of twenty-two. A subsequent tasting revealed one of the all-time great Ducrus, probably matched or eclipsed by several recent vintages (i.e., 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008). The 1982 is still 5-8 years away from full maturity, but it exhibits a dense ruby/plum/garnet color to the rim as well as a sweet perfume of forest floor, spice box, cedar, and copious quantities of black fruits. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully pure with sweet tannins, this wine has aged more slowly than I initially expected. It is the finest Ducru Beaucaillou produced after the 1961 and before the 2003. With respect to the 1990, I do not own any of this wine, but it was the last of a series of vintages between 1986 and 1990 that were affected by the TCA-like contamination in the estate’s chai, which was completely destroyed and then rebuilt, eliminating the source of these smells. Not every bottle is affected by this, but I do not have any source for this vintage.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2000

A wine of extraordinary aromatic complexity and finesse, this sweet effort possesses a dark ruby color with a pink rim. Once past the gloriously complex aromatics (blueberries, black currants, minerals, and underbrush), the wine reveals terrific fruit intensity, excellent harmony, medium body, sweet tannin, and a long finish. This superb, elegant 1982 has achieved full maturity, but it promises to last for another 15+ years.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe11/30/1998

This Ducru '82 has always been a beauty. Dark ruby in color, with a slight amber edge. Very fresh and floral, with loads of berry and rose character. Medium-bodied, with a good balance of soft tannins and a caressing finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe12/31/1995

Flawless from cask, the bottled wine has finally emerged from a long dormancy when it was forbiddingly backward and impenetrable. It is unquestionably the finest Ducru-Beaucaillou following the 1961. I do not think the estate has produced any wine since that can be said to be as complete and concentrated as the 1982. Although the 1982 is beginning to reveal some lightening at the edge, it still exhibits an impressively saturated ruby/purple color. The wine offers a classic St.-Julien/Pauillac aromatic profile - intense cedar, some blackcurrants, a touch of oak, and good spice. Rich and more full-bodied than normal, this chewy, concentrated, moderately tannic Ducru can be drunk with considerable pleasure, but ideally it should be cellared for another 3-4 years . It should last through the first two decades of the next century. Tasted 9 times since bottling with inconsistent notes.

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe10/30/1994

Tasted 11 Times Since Bottling With Consistent Notes Just beginning to blossom and open, the 1982 Ducru-Beaucaillou is unquestionably the finest wine made at this estate since 1961. The concentrated, viscous, dark ruby/purple color is followed by explosive aromas of spring flowers, blackcurrants, minerals, and toast. It is fuller-bodied than normal, with remarkable delineation, great richness, and that wonderful sweetness that is a hallmark of this vintage. This long, exceptionally well-focused, classic Ducru should reach its peak in 3-5 years and last through the first two or three decades of the next century.

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

Just beginning to blossom and open, the 1982 Ducru-Beaucaillou is unquestionably the best wine made at this estate since 1961. The concentrated, viscous, dark ruby/purple color is followed by explosive aromas of spring flowers, blackcurrants, minerals, and toast. It is fuller-bodied than normal, with remarkable delineation, great richness, and that wonderful sweetness that is a hallmark of this vintage. This long, exceptionally well-focused, classic Ducru should reach its peak in 3-5 years and last through the first two or three decades of the next century. Last tasted, 1/93.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe8/31/1992

Wonderfully proportioned, with captivating violet and berry aromas and excellent fruit flavors, medium body, silky tannins and a long-lasting tobacco finish. A lovely glass of wine now, but better from 1995 to '98.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal.