2003 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 6 Pack

97 POINTS

James Suckling

An incredible nose, with insane richness and notes of spices, leather, and sultanas. Full-bodied, with an amazing concentration of fruit and velvety tannins. A real blockbuster, lots of material here. Don’t touch it for five years, pull the cork after 2015.

94 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Alluring aromas and flavors of warm fig bread, espresso, roasted mesquite and blackberry confiture are fleshy and impressively rendered, with a noticeable plum skin and toothy loamy edge. Shows a bit more juicy energy than most in this retrospective, but doesn't quite reach next-level quality.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2032. 17,500 cases made.

94 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

There are markers of a hot vintage in this wine, no question, but they translate into a beautifully exotic saffron and clove edge. The tannins are still present, surprisingly so, and overall this is just a rather wonderful wine. It's not dried out as many 2003s are, just extremely open and welcoming. Its soft menthol freshness on the finish is a brilliant example of how the proximity to the river pays off in the heat.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Ripe currants, spices, and blueberries on the nose. Full bodied, with big chewy tannins and a juicy finish. This still needs time. Pull the cork after 2014. Find the wine

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Lots of aromas of roasted fruit, such as blueberries and raisins, and spices. It has full body with plenty of velvety tannins and a long, slightly chewy finish. Needs another two or three years to come together but outstanding now.

92 POINTS

Huon Hooke - Decanter

This is a bold and slightly raisiny hot-year wine, typical of '03 but better than most. Cloves, too. A little four-square, but certainly in good nick and a generous mouthful of wine. A very good '03 but not a great Bordeaux.

91 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

This is a solid, powerful wine packed with tannins and heavy black fruits. As so often, Ducru is taking its time, and this wine is still knitting itself together. But in future years, watch for the generosity, the richness as well as the finesse and freshness. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates.

91 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

90-92 The tannins are so sweet with this wine, that they only just avoid tipping over into Napa Cabernet. But the structure saves the wine and propels it into classic, powerful Saint-Julien.