Madame de Beaucaillou

2019

Wine Advocate 89: From fully 50 hectares of vineyards in Listrac and Cussac, planted with a majority of Merlot, the 2019 Madame de Beaucaillou offers up aromas of blackberry and cassis, framed by a deft application of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, bright and lively, with powdery tannins and a saline finish, it's a hearty, chunky, flavorful wine that will round out with a bit of bottle age.

James Suckling 92: Really floral and pretty with currants, cherries and some violets and stones. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture. Attractive tannins and stony undertones. A large percentage of merlot with the cabernet, making it fresh and firm. Sophisticated. Better after 2024.

Decanter 88: High-toned clarity on a pure nose of red and black fruit. Powerful core, tannins are dominant but not in an astringent way, just mouth-filling. The fruit is there - cherry, strawberry and blackcurrant, just closed, a bit astringent and tight-knitted right now. It has the structure to be a gourmet wine but needs two to three years to really soften. From 55ha in Haut-Médoc and the same technical team as Ducru-Beaucaillou.

2020

Wine Advocate 89+: The 2020 Madame de Beaucaillou exhibits notes of cassis, pencil shavings, plums and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively palate that's structured around youthfully firm, chalky tannins. It should reward a bit of patience. It's derived from some 50 hectares of vineyards in Listrac and Cussac.

James Suckling 92: Aromas of currants and dark cherries with orange peel character. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and chocolate with hints of cedar. Crisp and vivid. 66% merlot, 24% cabernet sauvignon and 10% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

Vinous 91: The 2020 Madame de Beaucaillou was picked 11-30 September, matured 20% in new oak for an expected 12 months. It displays good intensity on the nose: blackberry, iodine and iris petals scents, just a scintilla of honey. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, displaying fine depth. The judicious use of new oak allows the black fruit to shine on the finish, with hints of pencil lead on the aftertaste. This is well worth seeking out.

Decanter 92: Medicinal herbs and dark fruits - smells forward and nuanced with a soft perfumed element too. A gourmet style with bright acidity and a saline tang. There’s focus, freshness and underlying power. A serious wine with a full body, minty freshness and structure. Plush, succulent, perhaps not overly complex but it really delivers for the price and will age. Firm and grippy finish. Snap this up!