This is the second wine of DuCru Beaucaillou. I picked up 2 bottles today at the bargain price of $12.99 each, down from $30.

The cork had a little mold on the outside and broke while removing (I was using my backup corkscrew, which may be the reason). I was worried, but as soon as I got that last piece of cork out I got a big whiff of marvelous maturing bordeaux. Definite mineral notes (Flint or pencil-shavings), a slight earthyness, and underlying unnamed berry. Medium body. WS says tobacco, but I don't really get that from this wine. Tannins are fine, and the finish is medium length (maybe 15 seconds) It's ruby in color with a tendancy toward brick.

Overall a very pleasurable experience. The kind of wine I like to sit around and smell for a while.

WS gave it 87pts in 1998. I reckon it's grown since then. I give it a solid 89-90. This one is right up my alley and an unbelievable bargain at $12.99. I'm going back for a few more tomorrow, and if there's a case left I'll probably take it. You can't go wrong at $12.99 QPR A++.

[This message was edited by grossie on Jan 04, 2003 at 12:46 AM.]

And as a finishing touch, God created the Dutch!

had over dinner tonight
popped and poured

tobacco leaf, bell peppers, sweet red plums and dried tea on the nose.

Sweet red currants backed with a velvety cherry tannins. Some slight wet leather/forest floor. Picks up a dark chocolately body and sweetness after some air time.
20 second finish of coffee and tar

What started out as sugary water, this wine is a definite decant as the body fleshes out after an 1/2 hour in the glass. A very enjoyable bottle after 30 minutes.

91 pts.