The 2022 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a standout in this vintage. It begins with beautiful fresh aromas of dark fruits, blackcurrant, plum, and blueberries, which add on layers of exotic spices, graphite, and fresh violets, all hallmarks of the appellation. The palate is full-bodied and polished, with velvety tannins and a refined structure that showcases both ripeness and precision. There’s a beautiful integration of oak, lending subtle spice and toast without overshadowing the fruit. Long and harmonious on the finish, this wine combines classic Left Bank character with the generous texture and concentration of a warm, well-managed vintage. (JD)

Delivers as it did En Primeur, again giving the impression of a carefully constructed, confident and poised wine, that has St Julien typicity, but turned up with Ducru opulence. Muscular, concentrated, packed with graphite, flint, crayon and gunsmoke, alongside juicy and rich fruit, giving contrasting textures that add interest and complexity. A ton of ageing ahead of it. 3.8ph, 95IPT. 100% new oak. 30hl/h yield.

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. (JD) 98+