Ducru-Beaucaillou experienced an uncharacteristically shaky period between 1986 and 1990. The winemaking did not suffer, but the inconsistency from bottle to bottle (too many wines exhibited a musty, wet cardboard-like aroma), is history. The construction of a new cellar and replacement of every barrel has guaranteed the conditions necessary to produce trouble free wines. Ducru is on a roll, with fine efforts over recent vintages, including an exceptional 1994, spectacular 1995, and what looks to be an equally profound, super-concentrated 1996. A top-notch effort in this vintage, Ducru-Beaucaillou's 1994 displays a dark purple color, a textbook, cassis, mineral, licorice, and floral-scented nose, medium body, outstanding extract and purity, moderate tannin, and a persuasively rich, sweet, spicy finish. Everything is well-integrated (including the tannin). This should prove to be a classic St.-Julien.

96/100 Punkte - Trinkreife: 2004-2022

WineAdvocate #115:
This wine is of first-growth quality, not only from an intellectual perspective, but in its hedonistic characteristics. More open-knit and accessible than the extraordinary 1996, Ducru's 1995 exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, followed by a knock-out nose of blueberry and black raspberry/cassis fruit intertwined with minerals, flowers, and subtle toasty new oak. Like its younger sibling, the wine possesses a sweet, rich mid-palate (from extract and ripeness, not sugar), layers of flavor, good delineation and grip, but generally unobtrusive tannin and acidity. It is a classic, compelling example of Ducru-Beaucaillou that should not be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025.
94/100 Punkte - Trinken: 2003-2025

WineSpectator 2007:
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. 18,000 cases made
97/100 Punkte – Trinken: ab 2009

Rene Gabriel [Bordeaux Total 1999]:
Dunkles Weinrot, satt in der Mitte. Umwerfendes Zedern-, Edelholzbouquet, ausladend mit vielen herrlichen, warmen, Terroirnoten darin. Im Gaumen perfekt balanciert, fester Körper, viel Rückhalt und ein konzentriertes Ducru-Aroma aufweisend, wie ich es in dieser Perfektion noch nie erlebt habe. Ein großer, legendärer Bordeaux, der noch viel Geduld braucht.
19/20 Punkte – Trinken: 2005-2035