That sexy, smoky, exuberant feeling of La Croix and Lalande-Borie in 2015 is found here too, but with everything turned up a notch - or rather tuned up a notch, giving finesse and precision to the texture and shape. Pure blackberry and blueberry fruits and an incredibly silky texture draws out through the glass. You can almost slide off this wine it is so expertly played, finessed and presented. And you are so seduced that you almost miss the tannic build up that hits you on the finish. Great stuff! 100% new oak.

The complex array of aromatics offers cigar wrapper, wet earth, cedar wood, forest floor and dark red fruits. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, with sensuous, plush textures, density and complexity. The finish holds on for 50 seconds or so, building in intensity. This is rich, opulent and deep, with the structure to age for at least 3 decades with little effort.. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2015+Ducru+Beaucaillou

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou rocks up with flamboyant baked black plums, crème de cassis, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries scents plus hints of cinnamon stick, black tea and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with black fruit preserves and spicy accents, with a firm, velvety frame and finishing with great length and perfume. Ideally, I'd give it another year to fan out just a bit more, but it is coming around nicely and is already fantastically delicious! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

With its 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has super-ripe black-currant flavors encased in firm, smoky tannins and hints of wood. Showing the opulence of the vintage and the style of Saint-Julien, it will age for many years. The wine will certainly not be ready before 2026.

Showy, with layers of warmed fig, roasted mesquite, black tea, incense and Turkish coffee notes, followed by waves of lush cassis, blackberry and raspberry confiture flavors. This has a graphite grounding rod, a tarry spine and riveting licorice snap details to keep it driving along. A head-turner for sure. Best from 2025 through 2045. – JM

A ripe, generous vintage even in the heart of the reined-in, finessed appellation of St Julien, and this majors on blackberry, blueberry and damson fruit, shot through with creamy smoked caramel, warming spiced liqourice, cloves, star anis, graphite and eucalyptus. Well judged, you'll find plenty of complexity and heart delivered here. Harvest September 25 to October 15. Last year with Virginie Sallette as technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant.

The 2015 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is up-front, ripe, and incredibly sexy, yet it holds onto a terrific sense of balance and elegance. Crème de cassis, minty herbs, tobacco, and violet notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, elegant, polished tannins, and beautiful overall purity. From a hot vintage that saw rain at the end of the year, it's not a massive or over-the-top effort in any way, and it certainly offers plenty of pleasure even today, although it’s still quite young and unevolved. If push comes to shove, I think the 2014 is slightly more successful. Give bottles another 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 25-30 years.

The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou, 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, is deep garnet in color with a touch of brick. Sauteed herbs, redcurrant jelly, and baked blackcurrant spring from the nose with underlying hints of wet slate, tobacco, and coffee beans. The medium to full-bodied palate offers soft-spoken, savory flavors with a chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing savory.

The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou has a more opulent bouquet with kirsch and raspberry scents, touches of vanilla and mint that emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, lovely balance and poise. This has real focus and plenty of tension toward the finish. It is a deftly crafted Saint-Julien, although this does not rise above its peers in this flight. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners. -- Neal Martin