Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1995

The 1995 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a fabulous bouquet, complex and harmonious, very pure with scents of blackberry, cassis, violet and iris flower. It just blossoms in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Vibrant, deep and complex with gentle grip, it fans out wonderfully towards the finish. Outstanding. Tasted at the 1995 Bordeaux off-line at Piccolino in London and also Club Bâtard in Hong Kong.

Subtle yet aromatic character of Indian spices, currants and dried cherries. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Wonderful texture. Classy and structured. Long. This was wine of the year in 1998; well deserved.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2009. 18,000 cases made.

Proprietor Bruno Borie noted this was a somewhat unusual blend this year: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. After this vintage, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot would no longer be included in the blend. Medium to deep brick in color, the 1995 Ducru-Beaucaillou explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of Indian spices, plum preserves, fruitcake and dried figs with nuances of potpourri, star anise, bouquet garni and espresso. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of exotic spices and preserved black fruits, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic impact and length. Mature and drinking well now, there's still a good 12-15 years of kick left in this thoroughbred.

The bouquet of the Ducru-Beaucaillou 1995 offers an array of fresh fruit, blackcurrant, plum, spices and liquorice complicated by mint and minerality. It has a juicy and quite fleshy texture and flavours that evoke graphite and cedar along with a touch of leather. This is now at the beginning of its apogee but should hold well for another 10 years thanks to the quality of its tannins.