Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1996

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "At 22 years of age, this is close to hitting the sweet spot. Now you find a softening of the tannins and more secondary development with increased nuances of cigar box, wet earth, rocks, stones, forest floor and cassis. The wine has retained its freshness, concentration and the finish tastes and feels great with its bright red fruits and earthy complexities. Drink this now, or age it for a decade, either way this is a solid example of classic Ducru Beaucaillou."

WEINWISSER: "Johannisbeerblätter, getrocknete Kirschen, Preiselbeere, Holzwürze und Tabak, etwas Leder, Waldboden, dunkle Schokolade und nasse Flusskiesel. Im Antrunk mit straffem Säurebogen, großzügig und saftig mit diszipliniertem Tannin und intrinsischem Druck am mittleren Gaumen."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 1996 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot harvested from the 23rd of September to the 8th of October. Medium brick colored, it delivers mature notes of sweaty leather, camphor, tobacco and dried mulberries with a core of kirsch, charcuterie and dried cranberries plus a waft of sandalwood. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic freshness with a light chewiness to the texture and loads of herbs spark red and black fruits, finishing earthy."

FALSTAFF: "Kräftiges Rubingranat, tiefer Kern, zarte violette Reflexe, zarter Wasserrand. In der Nase verhalten, mit Luft dunkle Beeren, unterlegt mit Noten von feuchtem Unterholz, getrockneten Steinpilzen, etwas Soja, mit Luft zarte Dörrobstanklänge. Am Gaumen dunkles Beerenkonfit, mineralische Textur, reife, präsente Tannine, ein guter Speisenbegleiter, zeigt eine gute Länge, etwas Nougat und Zwetschken im Nachhall, ein Wein mit Potenzial, noch eher unnahbar. Wird sich zu einem klassischen Ducru entwickeln. Lagern +25"

WINE SPECTATOR: "Intense aromas of cedar, vanilla, leather and blackberry. Full-bodied, with coffee, vanilla, ripe fruit and a medium finish. Just about ready. The 1995 is certainly better.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now."

JAMES SUCKLING: "The Ducru 1996 is less extravagant than the 2000. It shows a full body, with firm tannins and pretty floral, leaf, light earth and berry character. Needs drinking. 90 points"