Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint Julien 2003 750ml

Name: Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint Julien 2003 750ml
Brand: Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou
SKU: 873593
Price: 245.67 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 93 (7 reviews)

Case of 12

Sample image only. Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.

SKU 873593

$2,948.04/case

$245.67/bottle

Tariffs included

Availability: This is a Long-term Pre-arrival item and is available for online ordering only. This item will ship on a future date after a 4-8 months transfer time. For more about Pre-arrival orders, see FAQ.

Pre-arrival

Case Only

Minimum order 12 bottles

WA 94pts

WS 94pts

JS 94pts

VM 93pts

DC 93pts

TWI 92pts

WE 91pts

See professional reviews

Produced the very first year that Bruno Borie took over management of the estate, there was no leaf thinning in July during this notoriously hot summer, allowing for more shade on the bunches. Medium to deep garnet in color with a touch of brick, the 2003 Ducru-Beaucaillou reveals opulent notes of Indian spices, cigar box, sandalwood and licorice with a crème de cassis and plum preserves core plus a hint of rose oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm, chewy texture and lovely freshness delivering a very long, spicy finish.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Saint Julien

Size: 750ml
Color: Red

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SKU: 873593 Categories: Left Bank Bordeaux, Pre-arrival

More about this item

Winery

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

Shop all from Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act â€“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.

Country

France

France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]

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Region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]

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Appellation

Saint Julien

Saint-Julien, a revered appellation in Bordeaux's Left Bank, epitomizes the finesse and elegance of red Bordeaux wines. Nestled between Pauillac and Margaux, Saint-Julien boasts a remarkable concentration of classified growths, showcasing wines that marry power with refinement. What makes Saint-Julien unique is its well-balanced terroir—gravelly soils, proximity to the Gironde estuary, and a temperate maritime climate. These factors nurture the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, resulting in wines celebrated for their structured tannins, expressive aromatics, and age-worthiness. Saint-Julien's notable châteaux, such as Léoville-Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou, exemplify the region's commitment to quality. The wines exhibit a harmonious blend of dark fruits, cedar, and subtle minerality. Exploring Saint-Julien unveils the essence of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition and innovation converge to produce wines of timeless allure and sophistication.

Ratings & Reviews

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

Alluring aromas and flavors of warm fig bread, espresso, roasted mesquite and blackberry confiture are fleshy and impressively rendered, with a noticeable plum skin and toothy loamy edge. Shows a bit more juicy energy than most in this retrospective, but doesn't quite reach next-level quality.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2032. 17,500 cases made.

JS 94pts

James Suckling

Lots of aromas of roasted fruit, such as blueberries and raisins, and spices. It has full body with plenty of velvety tannins and a long, slightly chewy finish. Needs another two or three years to come together but outstanding now.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

The 2003 Ducru-Beaucaillou, picked 15-25 September and matured in 90% new oak, has a ripe and opulent bouquet with lavish black fruit, fresh fig, dates and a touch of liquorice, though here is no sense of over-maturity here. It is fresher than a lot of ‘03s that I have recently tasted. The palate is well balanced with supple, rounded tannins. There is a real candied essence to this Ducru-Beaucaillou, with quite a pronounced liquorice finish that you want to go back to. This is ageing well - one of the better wines of this infamous growing season. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château.

DC 93pts

Decanter

There are markers of a hot vintage in this wine, no question, but they translate into a beautifully exotic saffron and clove edge. The tannins are still present, surprisingly so, and overall this is just a rather wonderful wine. It's not dried out as many 2003s are, just extremely open and welcoming. Its soft menthol freshness on the finish is a brilliant example of how the proximity to the river pays off in the heat.

TWI 92pts

The Wine Independent

2003 Ducru-Beaucaillou, while not a benchmark vintage is still a very good wine from here. It is fresh and fruity, very balanced and a bit high-toned but with a nice equilibrium. It is drinking very well now and has a great finish of pepper and ripe Cabernet.

WE 91pts

Wine Enthusiast

This is a solid, powerful wine packed with tannins and heavy black fruits. As so often, Ducru is taking its time, and this wine is still knitting itself together. But in future years, watch for the generosity, the richness as well as the finesse and freshness.