Ducru Beaucaillou 1998

The 1998 Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in two-thirds new oak, is so much better than the succeeding vintage, one that I have admired since first tasting it just after bottling. There is much more complexity and personality on the nose with vivacious red berry fruit, the rose petals and kirsch that I noticed before, maybe here with accentuated earthiness. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, classic in style, the oak nicely integrated. There is commendable weight and persistence, especially in terms of salinity on the finish. Whilst not as refined as recent vintages, this is maturing well. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. 2021-2040

A brilliant return to form here resulted in one of the greatest wines of the vintage in both 1995 and 1996. Obviously the 1998 cannot match those two great wines for power and depth but it is a good very classy wine and could be up to 50% cheaper.