97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a wine of total sensual allure. All the elements are wonderfully woven together. Black cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, spice and lavender infuse the palate with striking depth. The sustained, persistent finish is a thing of real beauty. Lifted floral accents extend the finish nicely. 01/2025

96

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2022 Ducru-Beaucaillou was a "Leviathan" when I tasted it from barrel, to use my own vernacular. In bottle since the second week of July 2024, it has calmed down a little aromatically, with blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone and freshly rolled tobacco scents that emerge with time. Fine tannins frame the palate. This is far more linear than it showed out of barrel. It's stricter, with an almost Pauillac-like tannic structure (Ducru-Beaucaillou can sometimes bear this trait). Full of energy and quite persistent, with a grippy finish, this is a long-term prospect that is uncompromising in nature—I mean that in a good way. 01/2025

94-96

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

One of the Médoc's most powerful wines this year is the 2022 Ducru-Beaucaillou, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot that opens in the glass with aromas of dark cherries and berries mingled with pencils shavings, vanilla pod and spices. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered and muscular, with a core of ripe but lively fruit underpinned by a chassis of powdery, liberally extracted tannin that asserts itself on the finish, it's a punchy, modern Saint-Julien reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of the 2018 and 2020. 04/2023

98+

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2022 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou checks in as 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot that was raised all in new barrels. Its deep ruby/purple/plum hue is followed by an utterly heavenly Saint-Julien that has pure cassis and darker berry fruits, a core of violets, spring flowers, graphite, and spicy oak, full-bodied richness, and ultra-fine, polished tannins. It's as seamless, pure, and elegant as they come, while at the same time being intense, powerful, and concentrated. It reminds me of the 2010 and is going to warrant a decade of cellaring, and have a solid half-century of prime drinking. For the tech geeks out there, the 2022 hit 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.8 and an IPT of 95. It’s an absolute sensational Saint-Julien from this talented team. 02/2025

98

James Suckling

James Suckling

A great, powerful and proportional Ducru with everything in the right place. The aromas and flavors are very precise and beautiful with blackberry, raspberry and citrus undertones. Full-bodied and structured, it has polished electric tannins that are finely layered, well formed and very long. Remains cool on the palate. 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot. Drink after 2029 but will age beautifully. 01/2025