2021 Petit Ducru
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Tasting notes
The deeply hued 2021 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou (which got some choice lots of Merlot in 2021) is classy stuff, with red and black currants, sappy flowers, medium-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and a supple, layered, elegant profile that has plenty to love.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou seems to build on that Pauillac element that I noted from barrel. The nose is finely delineated with a lovely marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crunchy black fruit and plenty of iodine and brine, exerting a gentle but insistent grip on the saline finish that comes from the top Merlots in the blend.
The 2021 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou, the estate's Merlot-based blend, is soft, fruity and charming, with notes of dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, mocha and dried herbs. Best of all, the Petit Ducru will drink well with minimal cellaring. Much of the Merlot is from vineyards that often go into the Grand Vin.
About the producer
Second Growth estate Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou in Saint-Julien is one of the Super Seconds, an elite group of properties producing wines that regularly compete with the finest in the Médoc.