Château Ducru-Beaucaillou St Julien 1855 2ième Cru 2018

This was a big vintage, with high temperatures giving tannins with shoulders and muscles, and shows the ability of Ducru to draw out balance even when the overall wine is so concentrated. An impressive achievement by the winemaking team, great quality, not bypassing the exuberance and creaminess of the year, but giving it form and definition. Expect plenty of blackberry liqueur alongside creamy damson and blackberry fruit, with liqourice and smoked earth. Harvest September 25 to October 10. 100% new oak. Emmanuel Bonneau technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant.